Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2023
Full-bodied dry red wine · Expert Club Selection (Produced and bottled for regional distribution channels, representing a curated collective of properties within Saint-Émilion)
Vintage: 2023
Type
Full-bodied dry red wine
Producer
Expert Club Selection (Produced and bottled for regional distribution channels, representing a curated collective of properties within Saint-Émilion)
Country
France
Vintage
2023
Region & Appellation
Bordeaux, Right Bank, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC
Grape Varieties
Primarily Merlot blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple color with youthful violet rims, high viscosity, and slow-moving legs that hint at concentrated extraction and moderate to high alcohol.
Aroma Profile
Youthful and vibrant primary aromas of crushed ripe blackberries, black cherries, and plums, complemented by subtle touches of violet, sweet baking spices, and a hint of graphite.
Tasting Notes
A generous and approachable palate entry featuring luscious dark berry fruit, velvety tannins, and a balanced, fruit-forward finish that shows the early-stage charm of a warm-climate Right Bank vintage.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of black plum, ripe black cherry, and cassis, underpinned by nuances of cocoa, subtle cedar, and a gentle earthy minerality.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture, rounded mouthfeel, and well-integrated structure that softens the youthful tannins.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium to medium-plus acidity providing freshness to balance the ripe fruit, paired with fine-grained, smooth tannins typical of young Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry
Alcohol Content
Approximately 14% to 14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels to preserve fruit freshness while adding subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and spice.
Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled summer steaks, roasted lamb chops, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin, served alongside seasonal grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C in a large Bordeaux glass. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes to open up the youthful aromas. Best enjoyed young for its fruit vibrancy or cellared for a few years.
Price Range
$20 - $35 USD
Quality Assessment
Solid everyday-to-premium Saint-Émilion Grand Cru offering good value, reliable structure, and accessible pleasure without requiring decades of cellaring.
Production Methods
Traditional Bordeaux winemaking involving temperature-controlled fermentation, gentle pump-overs for color and tannin extraction, and judicious oak aging.
Terroir
Clay and limestone soils of the Saint-Émilion plateau and slopes, providing excellent water retention and mineral complexity that nourish Merlot grapes.
History & Heritage
Saint-Émilion is one of the oldest wine areas in Bordeaux, with winemaking traditions dating back to Roman times, recognized for its exceptional limestone terroir.
Interesting Facts
The red Maltese cross symbol on the label is a traditional emblem often used in European heraldry and regional selections to denote quality and heritage.
Cellaring Potential
Approachable now after brief aeration, but can evolve positively over the next 3 to 6 years in a proper cellar.
Similar Wines
Other accessible Saint-Émilion Grand Cru selections found at retailers like Carrefour, Auchan, or Total Wine.