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Bordeaux | France

Saint-Estephe AOC Wine Guide

Muscular northern Medoc - dark, earthy, tannic and built for age

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancServe 17-18CAge 15-40 years
Saint-Estephe wine colour in the glass
Typical colourDeep purple

Overview

Saint-Estephe is the most northerly major Medoc commune, marked by clay-rich gravel that gives muscular, long-lived wines with black fruit, iron and earthy depth.

In The Glass

Colour
Deep purple
Nose
Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Plum, Iron and Cedar.
Palate
Muscular northern Medoc - dark, earthy, tannic and built for age. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, grippy tannins, dry, with a very long finish.

Tasting Profile

Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Grippy5/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5

Grapes

Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet FrancPetit Verdot

Aromas And Notes

BlackcurrantBlackberryPlumDamsonIronCedarGraphiteEarthLeatherTobaccoGameTruffle

Terroir

Maritime - cool northern Medoc exposure balanced by the Gironde.

GravelClayLimestone subsoil

Food Pairings

Ribeye steakBraised short ribVenisonAged hard cheeses

Notable Producers

  • Chateau Cos d Estournel, founded 1811 - Cos d Estournel
  • Chateau Montrose, founded 1815 - Chateau Montrose
  • Chateau Calon-Segur, founded 1147 - Chateau Calon-Segur