Château Ripeau 2020

The complexity and aromatic richness of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

The Estate

Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion since 1955, the Château Ripeau finds its origins as early as the 13th century. The estate later passed through the hands of several owners, notably in 1874 the Bühler brothers, landscape architects known for creating more than a hundred gardens and parks including the Parc Bordelais, and then in 1917 Marcel Loubat, brother of Edmonde de Wilde then owner of Pétrus, who bestowed nobility upon the property.

The Grégoire family acquired the estate in 2015 and carried out extensive renovation work on the vineyard and infrastructure.

The vineyard

Situated on a high point of the north-west plateau of Saint-Émilion, the vineyard of Château Ripeau covers an area of 16.1 hectares in a single parcel. With an average age of 35 years, the vines are planted on a terroir composed of slightly gravelly sand at the surface and clay-iron seams in the subsoil.

The vintage

The mild winter encouraged early bud burst of the vine. This precocity was also evident during a rapid, uniform flowering without coulure. Substantial spring rainfall led to an early start of treatments to contain disease development. May frost episodes were mitigated by the protective measures installed at the estate. Hot, dry summer conditions promoted an early and uniform veraison. The clayey terroir’s ability to drain and store water reserves shields the vineyard from water stress. The September rainfall events were welcome to complete berry maturity.

Winemaking and ageing

Hand-harvested into perforated crates. Alcoholic fermentation in inverted-cone, temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at low temperature to preserve fruit freshness. Precise management of fermentations and extraction to maintain a fine balance. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels (100% new), as does the ageing.

Blend

Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Château Ripeau 2020

Tasting

Color
Deep, the color is an intense ruby hue.

Nose
Complex, the nose reveals a rich aromatic palette blending fragrances of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and red fruit (raspberry) with refreshing hints of mint and vanilla.

Palate
The palate delights with aromas of mocha and cardamom, and tannins that marry power with a silky texture. The finish is beautifully persistent.