From: Bordeaux, France
Varietals: 67% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Château Pédesclaux consists of almost 123 acres of vineyards located in the heart of the Pauillac appellation’s superb terroir, situated within the Médoc district of Bordeaux. 2016 was a tense wine-growing season with unpredictable weather. The year began with heavy rain followed by a period of droughts. However, thanks to meticulous care in the vineyards, the estate’s healthy Garonne gravel soils (on a limestone bedrock), and a turnaround in the weather as harvest approached, 2016 turned out to be an exemplary vintage for the estate.
Tasting Notes: As soon as the wine is opened, intense aromas of blackcurrant, wild strawberry, violet, and white flowers leap forth, continuing to a crisp, pleasing palate. The higher concentration of Merlot (rather than Cabernet Sauvignon) in this atypical Médoc blend lends a softer, lighter touch to the wine’s warm and silky texture.
Pairing: Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider has tasted through many vintages of Chateau Pedesclaux wines; he recommends drinking them with classic meat dishes made from veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, or roast chicken. This wine in particular would also be wonderful with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and/or truffles.
