Chateau Franc-Baudron Montagne St Emilion NV

Chateau Franc-Baudron "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes", Montagne St Emilion, Bordeaux, France, NV

Grapes: A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, 32ha vineyard on limestone/clay soil, organic, 12 months in oak barrels

Château Franc-Baudron has been a family-run estate for 200 years. The château benefits from having a driven, dynamic owner in Michel Guimberteau. He is helped by his daughter Sophie and her husband Charles, who converted the domain to organic viticulture. Charles worked for 5 years as vineyard manager at Domaine Marcel Deiss, which is unarguably one of the top biodynamic estate in Alsace.

This delightful organic red is a well structured and deep wine, with an intense fruit expression, enhanced by fine oak and pepper notes.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"The nose is fruity and offers a little creaminess/concentration. It reveals notes of creamy blackberry, strawberry and small notes of violet associated with touches of star anise, Sichuan pepper and hints of sweet spices. The palate is fresh, mineral, supple and offers tension, a lovely tangy/fresh frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fresh/tangy blackberry, blackcurrant and small notes of violet with touches of blue plum, a hint of crushed raspberry as well as hints of tonka bean, toasted almond, a subtle hint of camphor, fresh pepper and a very discreet almost sappy hint (in the background). The tannins are supple. Good length. Beautiful freshness and minerality."

90-91/100 points, VerteDeVin, March 2023