The estate
Situated on the left bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Meyney is in an exceptional location, close to the Gironde estuary. With a history dating back to 1662, this estate, owned by the Credit Agricole Grands Crus subsidiary, has experienced a remarkable increase in quality over recent decades. The wines of Chateau Meyney are among the finest references in the Saint-Estephe and Medoc appellations.
The vineyard
Next to Chateau Montrose, Chateau Meyney watches over a 51-hectare single plot vineyard. The vines are 36 years old on average and are planted on Garonne gravel soils with a notable feature. A 3-metre thick layer of blue clay, that can also be found in the Chateau Petrus terroir, is buried in the subsoil.
The vinification and aging
The hand-picked grapes are rigorously sorted before destemming, followed by a plot-by-plot vinification in temperature controlled stainless steel or concrete tanks. After blending, the wine is aged for 16 to 18 months in barrels (30 to 40% of which are new oak).
The blend
Chateau Meyney 2008 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (29%) and Petit Verdot (18%).
The tasting
Color
This wine is an intense purple-red color.
Nose
Expressive, the nose blends fruity (blueberry, blackcurrant), floral (violet) and toasted bread fragrances with delicious mineral notes.
Palate
Full and well-balanced, this wine seduces the palate with its silky tannins and its exceptional length.
The 2008 Meyney was very impressive from cask, but the bottled wine is hard, tannic, angular and less well-endowed than it appeared from barrel. What happened?