Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2019

Product description

Château Claud Bellevue 2019 comes from the chalky hills of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, where thin clay layers and carefully selected plots create a wine with power, balance and refinement. The vineyard covers 10 hectares and is managed sustainably, without herbicides and with green manuring by grains and legumes to enrich the soil. The grapes, from 15-year-old vines and a planting density of up to 7,400 vines per hectare, are harvested entirely by hand. The blend consists of 70 per cent merlot and 30 per cent cabernet franc, a combination that provides ripe fruit, structure and elegant tension in the finish.

Vinification is traditional and intensive, with whole bunches and extraction via rack-and-return, followed by 30-day cuvaison for maximum aromatic development and texture. Malolactic fermentation takes place in both barrels and tanks, with one-third of the barrels being new. After 12 months of aging in barriques and a further 12 months in cuves, the wine gains its depth, softness and roundness. A total of 23,013 bottles and 120 magnums were produced, a limited quantity that underlines the meticulousness of the process.

In the glass, the 2019 shows a deep garnet red colour and a complex aroma with notes of cinnamon, liquorice and ripe merlot fruit. The attack is full and fleshy, with a rich mouthfilling that evolves into an exceptionally soft, harmonious finish. The wine combines power with finesse and has been awarded high scores from the likes of James Suckling, Antonio Galloni and Yohan Castaing, as well as gold medals at Concours de Bordeaux and Mundus Vini. Château Claud Bellevue 2019 is a wine that impresses immediately, but will also continue to develop beautifully.