Chateau Le Prieure 2020

A complex and elegant Saint-Emilion wine

The estate

Since the 16th century, the Chateau Le Prieure vineyard has been cultivated in the heart of Saint-Emilion. Formerly a Premier Cru des Cordeliers, it was also renowned at the dawn of the 20th century. A Grand Cru Classe of Saint-Emilion since 1955, Chateau Le Prieure reign over a beautiful vineyard made up of several islets of vines. The talented Penelope Godefroy, oenologist and agricultural engineer, produces wines with a harmonious style that reveal the great complexity of the Saint-Emilion terroir.

The vineyard

The 6.24-hectare vineyard of Chateau Le Prieure is planted on the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion. The 19 plots of 45 year old vines are planted in clay-limestone soils and managed by means of organic viticulture certified by Ecocert since 2018, as well as by biodynamic practices.

The vintage

A historically rainy winter preceded a warm and humid spring. Plowing with animals facilitated soil management. The dry conditions from mid-May resulted in one of the earliest flowering periods. The lack of precipitation from June 19 gave way to dry and cool weather until the beginning of veraison in mid-July. While the summer season was hot and dry, the stormy days of mid-August reinvigorated the vineyard and the ripening of the grapes. In line with the early nature of the vegetative cycle, the harvest also began earlier than in other vintages.

The vinification and aging

The Merlot was harvested from September 14 to 25 and the Cabernet Franc on October 1. Aging was carried out in barrels (35% new oak barrels, 55% second-fill barrels, 10% third-fill barrels).

The blend

The Chateau Le Prieure 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (83%) and Cabernet Franc (17%).

The tasting

The Chateau Le Prieure 2020 seduces with its complex and elegant nose marked by subtle spicy fragrances. Structured and beautifully fine, the linear palate reveals tight tannins and great liveliness, reflecting its exceptional terroir.