From: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Varietals: 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
Taste: The 2010 Château Chauvin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Grand Cru Classé is a classic expression of the Right Bank Bordeaux. The wine displays a deep ruby color with a garnet rim. On the nose, it offers elegant aromas of blackberries and licorice, with notes of Earl Grey tea, cedar, and steely minerals. As the wine opens up, it reveals additional layers of complexity, including hints of spice and Christmas fruitcake. On the palate, the wine is full and intense, with polished dark fruit and refined tannins. The texture is wonderful, and the finish is long and satisfying, with a tasty licorice note.
Critical Acclaim
JS 93 James Suckling
Elegant nose with blackberries and licorice. Opens up with Earl Grey, cedar and steely mineral character. Full and intense on the palate with polished dark fruit and refined tannins. Wonderful texture and long finish with a tasty licorice note. Drink from 2016.
RP 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Chauvin produces a stylish wine, always exhibiting plenty of black cherry fruit intermixed with garrigue notes as well as hints of spice box and Christmas fruitcake in a medium to full-bodied, elegant yet savory and expansively textured style. The 2010 has a precociousness that gives it an up-front, sexy appeal, but then clamps down on the palate as the tannins begin to accumulate in the wine's finish. Forget it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 25.
Pairing: When it comes to pairing this wine, there are a few options to consider. For a classic pairing, the rich and bold flavors of the 2010 Château Chauvin make it a perfect match for classic meat dishes like roast beef, lamb (recipe below!), or duck. The wine's tannins are well-suited to rich and hearty preparations, like braised dishes or grilled steaks. This wine would also be a great choice for a special occasion meal, like a holiday feast.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, this wine would pair beautifully with rich and earthy dishes like wild mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables. The wine's intense flavors can hold up to bold and savory vegetarian dishes, while its refined tannins will complement the earthy flavors of the vegetables. For a regional option, consider pairing this wine with a cheese plate featuring rich and flavorful cheeses from the Bordeaux region.
Lamb Shank Tagine With Dates
By David Tanis
About. The vineyard of Château Chauvin is located to the north-east of Saint-Émilion, near Pomerol, half-way between Cheval-Blanc and La Cote Roi. The 37-acre vineyard is planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil of the estate is sandy, while the subsoil is characterized by the presence of clay and iron. The vineyard is managed with the greatest respect for the terroir, so as to bring out its purest expression. Sylvie Cazes, who purchased the estate in 2014, has introduced new techniques for restructuring the viticulture and winemaking practices.
Chateau Chauvin has a long history in Saint Emilion dating back to the 1500s (it’s history expanded, below). Over time, the estate has been expanded, and the most recent addition was in 1998 when they purchased an additional 2.5 hectares of St. Emilion vineyard land from the neighboring estate of Vieux Chateau Chauvin. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,500 vines per hectare, and the average age of the vines is 30 years. The wine of Chateau Chauvin is vinified in stainless steel tanks and aged in 50% to 70% new, French oak barrels for between 15 and 18 months.
Chateau Chauvin is a well-priced, St. Emilion, Bordeaux wine that offers good quality wine with style and character, at a fair price. This wine is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius and is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. It can also be paired with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta. Enjoy this wine now or cellar it for a few years to come to experience its full potential.
