Located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, this wine-growing area groups together numerous independent regions and includes a whole series of autonomous designations, with Bourg and Blaye to the North-West, Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac to the South-East, as well as the Libournais region, including Pomerol, Saint-Emilion and numerous surrounding villages. The Côtes de Castillon are located at the eastern end of this area.
The vines were probably already cultivated in Roman times. The poet Ausone, whose name one of the most prestigious châteaux in France bears today, was already producing wine in the 4th century.
A few centuries later, Charlemagne resided in Fronsac and, in the Middle Ages, Pomerol and Saint-Emilion were on the route of pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela. At the end of the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the vineyards developed strongly on this side of the Gironde, and the Dordogne served as a route for the red wines transport from Bergerac to England.
- Nose: intense and generous. Notes of black fruit, peppermint, black pepper, cinnamon with a hint of liquorice.
- Palate: rich, dense and enveloping. Silky tannins. Blackcurrant and black cherry on the finish.
Tasting date: October 2023.
OUR OPINION: a very fine vintage, generous and well-balanced. I love it!
- Nose: intense. Notes of ripe black fruit and plum.
- Palate: supple, mellow tannins.
Tasting date: May 2023.
OUR OPINION: a very good vintage, ready to drink!
- Nose: juicy and tasty.Notes of blackcurrant and blackberry with a hint of black cherry.
- Palate: structured. Tight tannins.
Tasting date: May 2023.
OUR OPINION: a promising vintage, but still young. In its early years, I recommend decanting 1 to 2 hours before drinking, or even opening it the day before. It should reach its peak in 2026-2028.
Since 2023, bottles have no longer been capped. French excise duty has been duly paid by the producer.
- Nose: intense. Slightly mentholated notes. Aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, and black cherry.
- Palate: pleasantly perfumed. Silky tannins. Finish evoking a black cherry juice.
Tasting date: February 2023.
OUR OPINION: very nice vintage, very successful. I like its tasty and immediate side!
- Nose: delicate and tasty. Notes of redcurrant, strawberry, blackcurrant, black pepper, cinnamon and ginger with a beautiful floral touch.
- Palate: structured by fine tannins. Slightly woody finish.
Tasting date: May 2022.
OUR OPINION: a very nice wine of gastronomy!
- Nose: spicy. Aromas of liquorice, black pepper, coffee, blackberry and blackcurrant, with a slightly floral touch.
- Palate: silky and elegant with melted tanins.
Tasting date: February 2022
OUR OPINION: spicy - silky - elegant. A beautiful and round Bordeaux.
Other vintage available:
- Nose: crispy. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, coffee and black pepper with a hint of violet.
- Palate: round and perfumed.
Tasting date: June 2021
OUR OPINION: round - fruity. A lovely vintage ready to drink!
- Nose: generous and open. Vanilla notes which black fruits, sweet spices and a hint of liquorice and coffee.
- Palate: full-bodied with fine tanins.
Tasting date: November 2020
OUR OPINION: fruity - full-bodied. The 2018 vintage of the Clos Plince is more robust than the previous one, I advise to let it age a little more in the cellar, failing that to decant it a few hours before serving.
Limited quantities, only 1200 bottles produced by the estate.
- Nose: rich and dense. Pepper notes, ripe black fruits, leather and a hint of menthol.
- Palate: fine tannins. Nice finish with a hint of vanilla.
Tasting date: October 2020
OUR OPINION: robust - rich - fragrant. A generous Bordeaux Grand Cru with great finesse.
After a first slightly toasted and very "sauvignonné" nose, where one easily recognizes the aromas of gooseberries and very ripe red tomato, the wine evolves towards notes of citrus, white peaches, and lychees. On the palate, the juice is fresh, lemony and tasty. A great success, a vintage more expressive than the 2016 and more "sauvignon-like" than the 2015.
(Tasting date : Jan. 2020)
AMPHORA WINES
Specialized in amphora wines, we offer a sharp selection of white, red or rosé wines, vinified in amphora.
You will find crus:
- fermented and aged in clay amphorae.
- fermented in traditional tanks and aged in clay amphorae.
- only partially aged in clay amphorae.
...including the rare wines completely vinified in Qvevris !