The depth and complexity of a Pauillac Grand Cru Classe
The 10th vintage by the Lorenzetti family, 2018 also marks the birth of an exceptional vintage for Château Pedesclaux, the magnificent Grand Cru Classe of Pauillac.
2018 was characterized by intense episodes of rain, which resulted in strong mildew pressure. The excellent location of Chateau Pedesclaux near the Gironde estuary, nevertheless, helped the estate fight off the attacks of mildew, by helping circulate masses of air. With a conversion begun in 2012, 50% of the Château Pedesclaux vineyard is now cultivated by means of organic and biodynamic agriculture.
The beautiful summer with plenty of sunshine lasted until harvest, allowing for fantastic fruit: small grapes with a high concentration of aromas and beautiful tannins. The harvest began on September 25 and ended on October 12, fully revealing the personality of each variety.
The Grand Vin of the estate, the Chateau Pédesclaux 2018 is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), complemented by Merlot (27%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).
At the tasting, the Chateau Pédesclaux 2018 presents a beautifully intense garnet red color. The aromatic bouquet is quite powerful, revealing gorgeous black fruit notes, elegant citrus and spices, punctuated with delicate floral fragrances, especially violet. On the palate, the wines seduces with its richness and smooth texture, structured by round and silky tannins. The wine retains a great freshness and a beautiful vivaciousness on the palate, stretching forth into a mouthwatering finish of great elegance. A perfectly executed vintage for Chateau Pedesclaux, announcing the birth of another great year.
Pédesclaux was purchased in late 2009 by real estate mogul, Jacky Lorenzetti. In addition to the purchase of Pédesclaux and its 26 hectares of vineyards, Lorenzetti was also able to acquire an additional 12 hectares of vineyards planted at 10,000 vines per hectare that sit atop the Milon plateau (their rows are interspersed with those of Mouton and Lafite). The total vineyard acreage in 2018 was 49.7 hectares with an average vine age of 35 years. The soils are typically gravelly atop a clay subsoil. It will spend an estimated 16 months on the lees in barrels, 60% new and 40% second year. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has 13.96% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pedesclaux comes charging out of the gate with rambunctious baked plums, warm cassis and Morello cherries scents plus hints of spice cake, menthol and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits and spicy accents, with a soft, fine-grained frame, finishing long.