Chateau Balestard la Tonnelle 2016 Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe 《ZTF710A》

Region : Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe

Grapes : 70% Merlot 、25% Cabernet franc 、5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol :  14.5% vol

Wine Consultant :  Michel Rolland

Website: www.vignoblescapdemourlin.com

🌟 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 

🌟 Wine Consultant Michel Rolland 

🏅 James Sucking 93 pts

“<Poet>： Villon's poem Virgin Mary, gentle deity, Save me a place in sweet heaven: Never shall I have joy nor gaiety Here below, since is forbidden to drink the divine nectar Whose name is Balestard, Except in this life for the wealthy. As I am so poor and needy, If truly on high this wine is in plenty, Come, soft death, I do not fear thee, Bring me up there among the fortunate Who can this vintage taste. François Villon”

Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle dates all the way back to the fifteenth century. Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle found the inspiration for its name from a member of the clergy, Canon Balestard. The historic tonnelle (or tower) is located right in the middle of their vines.

At the time the tower was constructed, it was built for use an observation tower. One of the oldest structures in Saint Emilion, the ancient tower dates almost as far back as the birth of the estate as it was erected in the fifteenth century. Today, the tower is used as the symbol for Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle.

Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle is owned by the well-known Capdemourlin family who also own and manage Chateau Cap de Mourlin as well as Chateau Petit Faurie de Soutard.

Both those estates are located in the St. Emilion appellation. The Capdemourlin family have a history in Saint Emilion that dates back almost as far as the vineyard, as they have been in the region since the early 1600’s!

Balestard LaTonnelle has had fans of its Saint Emilion wines for centuries. In fact, the poet, François Villon wrote about Balestard La Tonnelle in his famous fifteenth century poem.

To immortalize the poem, the estate includes a copy of it on the labels for Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle to this day. Thierry Capdemourlin is in charge of the property. Michel Rolland is the consultant.

The 10.6 hectare, Right Bank vineyard of Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle is planted to 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Located just outside the town of St. Emilion, they are not far from Chateau Soutard, Chateau Villemaurine or Chateau La Couspaude.

The terroir is a mix of clay and limestone soils. The vines average 33 years of age. The vine density ranges from 6,300 to 6,900 vines per hectare. To help determine the level of ripeness, the estate employs satellite imagery.

To produce the wine of Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle , the grapes are vinified in a combination of 50% epoxy lined cement vats and 50% thermo regulated, stainless steel tanks for at least 3 weeks. malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. The wine of Balestard La Tonnelle is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months depending on the quality of the vintage. 

🏅 James Sucking 93 pts
Attractive coal smoke and tarry nuances with a dense array of dark-plum and berry aromas and flavors. The palate has a rich, plush and juicy array of dark plums. Quite tangy, vibrant and powerful fruit here.