2022 Chateau Le Chatelet
Overview:
Tucked into the heart of Saint-Émilion — a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its wines and its medieval town — Château Le Châtelet is a true hidden gem, just 300 meters from the famed Collegiate Church Bell Tower that overlooks Europe’s largest Monolithic Church. The vineyard has been farmed by the same family for five generations, now under the careful stewardship of Julien Berjal, who lives within his vineyard and walks the rows nearly every day. With just 3.18 hectares producing fewer than 15,000 bottles a year, this is a true small-batch wine of remarkable rarity. The 2022 is a classic Saint-Émilion blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, grown on the prized clay-limestone plateau and hand-harvested with rigorous sorting. A wine first awarded a Gold Medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition, and one that has only deepened in distinction over the generations since.
Bob's Review:
Wow! I love the nose, and it follows right through on the palate. Bright, lively fruit and a lovely clean finish. It’s a touch lean in body, but everything that’s there I genuinely enjoy. A bright, elegant pour. Drink now or hold for five to ten years.
Additional Details:
Grape Varieties: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Wine Region: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
Soil: Clay-limestone plateau (plateau calcaire à astéries)
Time in Barrels: 12 to 18 months
Type of Barrels: 40% new French oak barrels, 40% one-wine barrels, 15% amphora, 5% concrete vat
