Château La Chapelle-Despagnet 2015

Bordeaux is home to blends, be it red or white. The Right bank of Bordeaux is where Merlot and Cabernet Franc (my lover) equally shine together. The wines from this region are of greatness, elegance and complexity. Merlot gives red fruits (cherry), roundness (flesh) and supple quality where Cabernet Franc gives aromatic intensity, notes of violets, spice and herbaceous. Only red wines are made in this region

St. Émilion is located on the right side of the Gironde estuary. The vineyards are smaller than estates on the left side. It’s a stunning medieval town UNESCO heritage site . Gentle rolling hills with a variety of soils due to geological twists and turns over centuries (limestone, gravel, chalk, clay and sand).

FUN FACT: the Jurade, an 10th century was founded by the King John of England, to govern the region, protect and promote the quality of St Emilion wines, which is still done to this day.

The classification of the region was established in 1954. They are revised every 10 years, is as follows from top to bottom: Premiers Grands Crus Classés, levels A & B, then Grands Grands Crus Classés. The Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation spreads on 9 communes.

Château La Chapelle-Despagnet is a tiny family-run property created in the early 20th century. It is run by the very passionate Gagnaire brothers. Their wine production is almost a St. Emilion secret, until now. They put so much love, care and devotion into their vineyards as they do in their wines. The manual harvest the 20 year old vines. Maceration for 25 days with an ageing of 12 months in oak barrels, of which 33% of the barrels are new.

Château La Chapelle-Despagnet 2015 Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Pretty ruby color. Attractive intensity of ripe plum, cherry, graphite, violets and toasty tobacco The palate is pleasant, smooth and medium + body and acidity with slightly woody tannins, flavors of plum, blackberry, cherry, graphite, toasty tobacco, cocoa, violet, bell pepper and finishes on thyme anise and mint. Delicious

Duck fat rosemary roasted potatoes with coriander aioli? Yes! Manchego stuffed pork loin? Yes! Filet mignon with cracked pepper sauce and sautéed Cremona mushrooms? Yes to all the above! The grippy tannins are smoothed out by the dishes fat content. The wine will sing you a French love song with these combos 😆l’amour toujours 🎶 🎶