Château Ripeau 2019

The freshness and precision of an ample and powerful fine red wine from Saint-Émilion

The estate
With origins dating back to the 13th century, the first traces of this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appeared on a map in 1785. Driven by a boldness and profound devotion to the region, Château Ripeau produces high-quality wine in a way that respects the environment.

The vineyard
The 16 hectares of Château Ripeau vineyard are planted in slightly gravelly and sandy soils with a clay iron vein in the subsoil.

The vintage
After a relatively mild winter, spring turned out to be quite cool. The month of June brought a certain freshness, which was offset by the heat of the summer. The hot summer allowed for a beautiful veraison of the vines, which were reinvigorated in September by rainy days and cool nights. The fruit was harvested at perfect ripeness and balance.

The winemaking
Manual harvest in crates from October 2 to 11. Low temperature alcoholic fermentation. Vinification in inverted stainless steel thermo-regulated vats and new 600 litre barrels. Malolactic fermentation in new barrels.

The blend
Merlot (65%), cabernet franc (35%), cabernet sauvignon (5%).

The tasting
Tasted en primeur, the Château Ripeau 2019 displays an intense red colour. On the nose, notes of red fruit and ripe black fruit appear, forming a complex and powerful bouquet, which evolves spicy notes upon aeration. On the palate, this great Bordeaux wine displays a rich and ample substance with powerful tannins. The wine finally stretches out on a refined finish, imbued with freshness and balance.