Chateau Coutelin-Merville, Saint-Estephe, Cru Bourgeois

Typically earthy Saint-Estephe displaying primary notes of beetroot, mulberry and stewed plum with secondary aromas of leather and tobacco. Plenty of grippy tannin.

GRAPES: 46% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot

Bernard and Francois Estager’s (great-grandsons of the original owner) property is situated on the highest point in Saint-Estèphe next to Château Haut-Marbuzet and Tour de Pez. They took over from their father, Pierre, in 1987. The vineyards are set among the hills of Coutelin and consist of 50% Merlot alongside other plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Matured in oak barrel for 18 months