Chateau Cote de Baleau 2016 Saint Emilion Grand Cru《F727D 》

Chateau Cote de Baleau in the heart of Saint-Emilion, stretches over 18 hectares of vines of which 15 are classified. Situated on Bordeaux’s right bank, the property has existed for four centuries and is a part of the Reiffers family’s heritage. It was part of a reward (citadel of Cotes de Baleau and les Grands Murailles) given by king Louis XIV to one of the descendants of the family. An elegant Chateau was built on the property at the end of the XIXth century.  Since the beginning of the 1990s, Sophie Fourcade, the family’s heiress runs the Chateau. Her ambition allowed her to obtain the Chateaux’s classification as Grands Crus of Saint-Emilion in 2012 while respecting the Reiffers family’s traditions. The pruning, green harvest and thinning ensure a perfect ripeness of the grapes. In 2013, the Cuvelier family, already owners of five estates, four of which are Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion, bought the Chateau back from the Reiffers. It begins renovating technical tools and the cellar.  

Chateau Cote de Baleau’s vineyard is on average 35 years old with a variety of grapes composed of 80% Merlot, 15% of Cabernet Franc and 5% of Cabernet Sauvignon. It takes advantage of the oceanic climate with its hot summers and a certain level of humidity.  The harvests are done by hand, the grapes are dropped off at the cellar equipped with the latest testing and monitoring technologies. 

The wines offer charm while expressing fruity notes, with smoothness and elegance on the palate.

🏅James Suckling 92 pts

Notes of dark berry and plum aromas with alluring spicy oak, a dense, juicy core, and well-judged tannins.

🏅 Jeb Dunnuck  92
Described as a "plump, sexy, fruit-loaded beauty" with notes of ripe black fruits, charred meat, and earthy, herbal aromas.

🏅 Wine Spectator 90
Features a "fun, juicy feel" with waves of plum sauce, raspberry puree, and cherry preserves, and enough grip to stay honest.

🏅 Wine Cellar Insider 90 
otes sweet, fresh, soft, medium-bodied wine with a finish that offers both sweet red fruits and a hint of tart accents.

🏅 Wine Advocate 89
Sashays out with redcurrants, red cherries, and black plums scents, plus a chewy texture and earth-laced finish.