Chateau Cruzeau – Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – 2018

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
The Château is not only architecturally impressive, but it has an equally impressive winemaking history. The castle was built in the 16th century and attests to the presence of vines having been planted around it in 1785. It became the property of the Luquot family in 1907 and has subsequently been managed by the family and handed down through the generations. The Luquot family has invested in the vineyard and the cellar with the aim of expressing the authentic quality of their unique soils. The Château is now in the hands of the fourth generation who continues to invest and produces a wine which is truly expressive of this historic Grand Cru terroir.

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.

VINEYARD:
The vineyard is located in the heart of the Saint Emilion Grand Cru appellation and covers four hectares. The vines have an average age of 40 years and are grown in a sandy alluvium soil, which produces a slightly lighter style of wine. The vineyard is situated at the convergence of two rivers, which creates a unique microclimate and the viticulture is carefully managed accordingly. Cultivated sustainably, the estate is certified Haute Valeur Environmentale (HVE) level 3 certification, which officially recognises the environmental performance of winegrowers, including biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategies, managed fertiliser use and water resource management. The harvest is undertaken manually each vintage.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully sorted upon arrival at the cellar. Traditional vinification took place in stainless steel tanks under temperature controlled conditions. Maceration lasted for four weeks, extracting the desired level of flavour, aromas and fine tannins to impart structure to the wine. Matured for 16 months: 60% of the wine was aged in French oak barriques, of which 10% were new and 50% in barrels of one-year; the remaining 40% was aged in tank.

TASTING NOTE:
Château Cruzeau is a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion of great finesse and character, showing ripe dark berried fruits complemented by toasted notes of cedar and spice. Silky on the palate, the ripe black fruits and Morello cherry notes are enveloped by well-integrated oak, it is harmoniously balanced with supple tannins and a long, elegant finish.

GRAPE:
Merlot 73%, Cabernet Franc 27%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Bordeaux

SUB-REGION:
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru