Chateau Julien Bordeaux Red 2018
Chateau Julien is a fleshy and plump red Bordeaux wine full of exuberant blackcurrant fruit with a hint of dark chocolate, rich and rounded.
Producer Note - The immaculate Château Julien covers 21 hectares of vines, including four hectares of Bordeaux rouge, close to Lussac St Emilion. The château has received significant investment and renovation in the vineyard and cellars by the current owner who purchased the property from the family who had previously owned the Château for three generations. They cultivate the vines sustainably and work closely alongside innovative winemaker Ludovic Labarrere, who vinifies using egg shaped fermenters and produces elegantly styled Bordeaux wines.
Vintage - 2015 has been hailed as an excellent vintage in Bordeaux. Generous flowering took place followed by a hot, dry early summer. August was slightly cooler and damper, followed by good weather in September enabling the grapes to reach full maturity. The wines have power and precision, particularly from the right bank appellations and many outstanding wines have been made from lesser appellations.
Vineyard - The vines are sustainably cultivated, with grass sown between the vine rows in order to stabilise the soil and decompress it, sending the vine's roots deep into the soils. The vineyard is situated on silty and sandy soils which impart soft tannins, roundness and delicacy to the wine. The yields are carefully controlled in order to concentrate the flavours in the berries.
Winemaking - The grapes were meticulously sorted and carefully destemmed; ensuring the grapes were not damaged and the berries remained whole. They were slowly fermented in concrete tanks so all components from the skins were extracted to the desired level. Fermentation lasted for between two to three weeks. The blend was aged in concrete tanks for eight months, retaining the purity of fruit and the essence of the Bordeaux terroir.
Tasting Note - A bright juicy wine, full of exuberant blackcurrant aromas. On the palate the vibrant fruit is supported by a supple texture and a refreshing finish.
Serving Suggestion - An easy drinking wine which matches with grilled red meats or cheese.
Grapes - Merlot 90%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Awards 16 Pts, Mathew Jukes , 2017
Winemaker: Ludovic Labarrere
Region: Bordeaux Sub region: Bordeaux Country: France
Alcohol: 14%
BodyValue: B (A islight, E is full bodied)
Residual Sugar: 0.7
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic/Biodynamic No/No