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2019

Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion
AOC Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

The vintage

2019 was a year of contrasts, and was characterized by tremendous variation. A cool spring, scorching heat in the summer and dry weather throughout the year prevented the development of diseases. However, cold, rainy weather in June disrupted flowering, causing coulure and millerandage. Furthermore, water stress, which varied depending on the area and the terroir, resulted in some instances of ripening being checked. The berries were therefore small, resulting in lower than usual yields. Fortunately, there was some rain after 22 September, which relaunched the ripening process and enabled the red grape varieties to reach a good level of maturity.

Location

Saint Emilion is nestled on the right bank of the Dordogne, 40km East of Bordeaux. It is an unique appellation in Bordeaux, where an abundance of smaller vineyards make a mosaic of the landscape.

Terroir

In addition to providing an amazing network of underground rivers and passageways in Saint-Émilion, the incredible limestone rocks carved out of the hills have generated calcary soils known amongst the best in the world for its Merlot. Thus, producing voluptuous, complex wines that are a true joy to drink.

Vinification

This wine is made in the traditional Bordeaux method : grapes are destemmed and crushed before being placed in tanks for fermentation. Fermentation is conducted at 30°c and is followed by three weeks of maceration with regular pumping-over to ensure a gentle extraction of tannins and color. After malolactic fermentation, half the wine is transfered into French oak barrels for a period of 8 to 10 months.

Tasting notes

Dark garnet color, brilliant.
Very aromatic nose, mixing notes of roasting (toasted, grilled), sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) with aromas of ripe fruit. The mouth is tense with a long and spicy finish.

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