Vieux Chateau Saint Andre 2014

1. Winery Background

Vieux Château Saint André is a family-run estate in the Montagne Saint-Émilion appellation, situated on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The winery is owned by the Giraud family, with famed winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet, the former winemaker of Château Pétrus, overseeing its production. The estate is known for producing traditional and terroir-driven wines, focusing on expressing the unique characteristics of the Saint-Émilion region.

2. The Producer

Jean-Claude Berrouet is a renowned winemaker who spent over 40 years at Château Pétrus, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious estates. After retiring, Berrouet took on the role of consulting winemaker at Vieux Château Saint André, where he applies his experience in crafting wines of balance, elegance, and harmony. His philosophy centers on making wines that reflect the vineyard’s terroir, focusing on restraint rather than power.

3. The Vineyard

The vineyards of Vieux Château Saint André are located in the Montagne Saint-Émilion region, just north of the famed Saint-Émilion appellation. The soils here are composed of clay and limestone, ideal for growing Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The vines are carefully tended to ensure low yields, which enhances the concentration and quality of the fruit.

4. The Wine

Vieux Château Saint André 2014 is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux blend, focusing on Merlot as the dominant grape, supported by Cabernet Franc. It is known for its elegance, finesse, and structure, with a focus on balance rather than over-extraction.

5. The Vintage (2014)

The 2014 vintage in Bordeaux began with a cool and rainy spring, leading to some challenges during flowering. However, the weather improved dramatically in the late summer and fall, with an extended dry period allowing the grapes to ripen fully. The result was a vintage of excellent balance, with ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and moderate alcohol levels, particularly favorable for Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

6. Vinification and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand, and vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12-18 months in French oak barrels, with a portion of the barrels being new oak. The winemaking process focuses on preserving the wine’s natural fruit character and minerality while adding complexity through oak aging.

7. The Grapes

• Merlot (80%)

• Cabernet Franc (20%)

Merlot dominates the blend, providing roundness, plush fruit, and a velvety texture. Cabernet Franc adds structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity to the wine.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby red.

• Nose: Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and plum, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and subtle earthy notes. The oak aging imparts delicate spice notes like vanilla and clove.

• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, with flavors of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrant and plum, complemented by notes of graphite and earthy minerality. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, offering a polished texture, and the wine has a vibrant acidity that provides balance and freshness.

• Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Vieux Château Saint André 2014 pairs wonderfully with a range of hearty dishes, particularly those that highlight the wine’s elegance and structure:

• Roast lamb or beef with herbs

• Grilled or braised meats such as pork or veal

• Duck breast with cherry or plum sauce

• Wild game like venison

• Aged cheeses like Comté, Gouda, or Cheddar

• Mushroom-based dishes such as risotto or a savory tart

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Serve at around 16-18°C (60-64°F) for optimal expression of aromas and flavors.

• Decanting: Decanting for about 30-60 minutes is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its complexity.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: The 2014 Vieux Château Saint André is drinking well now, but it has the potential to age for another 5-8 years. Over time, the wine will develop more nuanced aromas of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place at consistent temperatures around 12°C (55°F) to allow the wine to age gracefully.

12. Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90 points

• James Suckling: 91 points

• Vinous: 90 points

Vieux Château Saint André 2014 is a beautifully balanced Right Bank Bordeaux, offering a mix of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and an elegant structure. This wine is perfect for those who appreciate finesse and restraint, and it pairs excellently with classic Bordeaux-friendly dishes.