91pts James Suckling

This shows aromas of ripe blue fruit, toasted spices, chocolate and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe, crunchy berries and polished tannins. Juicy finish with hints of walnut. Slightly chewy in the finish. Try after 2024.

Winemaker Notes

Château du Basque was cited as a Cru Bourgeois in 1949 before receiving their coveted Grand Cru status. Saint Émilion is a very special sub-region found in France's Bordeaux region, situated on the highly esteemed Right Bank of the Gironde River. In Saint Émilion, the mineral rich gravel and clay-based soils provide plenty of nutrition and character to the grape varieties grown, and the continental climate helps them ripen each year to their fullest. The majority of the chateaux in Saint Émilion produce blended red wines, using a carefully balanced blend of mostly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Château du Basque uses temperature controlled fermentation and a long maceration to fully express the characteristics of its grapes and terroir. For aging, the estate practices traditional regular racking and fining with egg whites.

We suggest serving this classic Saint Émilion with rack of lamb followed by Comté Gruyère and Dijon mustard, or with steaks, pork roasts, peppered tuna, Petit Basque sheep's milk cheese and cured meats.

Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc