Château Soutard 2016: an utterly fine Saint-Emilion wine
The estate
Boasting origins that date back to the 18th century, Château Soutard is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion. It takes its name from a very old locality that is situated on the only limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. Since 2006, Château Soutard has been owned by the insurance company, AG2R LA MONDIALE.
The vineyard
Château Soutard watches over a 30-hectare single-block vineyard, of which 21.14 hectares are in production. The vines are 20 years old on average and are planted mainly on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion as well as on clay slopes and sandy foothills.
Vinification and ageing
The wine is aged in barrels, with 60% in new barrels and 40% in second-fill barrels.
The blend
Château Soutard 2016 comprises a blend of Merlot (63%), Cabernet Franc (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) and Malbec (1%).
Château Soutard 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Colour
The brilliant colour is a beautiful deep red.
Nose
The nose reveals peppery fragrances that blend harmoniously with aromas of red fruits, black berries and crushed strawberries.
Palate
The ripe and silky tannins give the wine freshness, body and elegance. This Château Soutard 2016 seduces by its balance, its generosity as well as its fruity and mineral notes.
The 2016 Soutard has a tightly wound blackberry and marine-tinged bouquet, touches of iodine infusing the fruit, perhaps a little more backward than recent vintages have shown at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, good acidity, quite fresh with a touch of orange sorbet that brightens up the pretty finish. Soutard has been threatening to make a wine as good as this! Recommended.