Chateau Beau Site – Cru Bourgeois, Saint-Estephe – 2018

Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
“Beau-Site means beautiful site and lies just behind Grand Cru Château Calon-Segur on one of Medoc’s highest points with fantastic views over the river Gironde. It was originally classified as a Cru Bourgeoius Superieur in 1932 but in 1966 Beau Site was reclassified as a Cru Grand Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The Castéja family, who also own Château Batailley and Château Trotte Vieille, bought the château in 1955. The château has nearly 100 hectares of vines with an average age of 35 years. Beau-Site’s 18th century underground cellar is one of the oldest in the Médoc and presents the perfect maturing conditions for a wine that is vinified with the same care and technique as a Grand Cru Classé. Beau-Sites wine is full of power and temperament, a typical Saint-Estèphe with tannins allowing for stocking this wine for some years.”

THE VINTAGE:
Despite initially challenging weather, the 2018 Bordeaux vintage was excellent. The winter was unusually wet and remained so throughout the spring. Hail also struck some vineyards during this period. However, conditions eased, allowing for a successful flowering followed by a particularly hot, dry summer with surprisingly cool nights, from June through to September. September brought welcome rains, reviving the vines. Harvest took place under ideal conditions, producing small, thick-skinned and highly concentrated berries, resulting in rich wines, slightly raised alcohol levels, with balancing acidity and a fresh, fruity appeal.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vineyard sits on predominantly gravel soil which provides good drainage for the vines. The vines, which have an average age of 36 years, are trained according to the double Guyot method and are planted at a density of 5,500 per hectare. The average yields are 40 hectolitres per hectare.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were manually sorted and destemmed before being gently pressed. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for four weeks, with each plot vinified separately. Malolactic conversion took place in the stainless steel tanks. The wine was then matured in French oak 225-litre barriques for a period of 16 months.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
The majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend yields a wine with ripe blackcurrant, cedar tree and earthy aromas. Notes of cherry, cranberry, spice and hints of liquorice continue on the palate which is enveloped in smooth, ripe tannins. This wine shows lovely balance, depth and structure with an elegant finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Cabernet Sauvignon 73%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 2%.