Château La Bridane 2015, Saint-Julien

Grape: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot ,17% Petit Verdot
Region: Saint-Julien AOP
Alochol: 13%

Viticulture and Vinification:

The land of Château La Bridane, marked by the famed gravels of Saint-Julien, locally known as Garonnese,is a densely planted estate vineyard with a relatively high proportion of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and some Cabernet Franc for an appellationplanted to 90% Cabernet Sauvignon across the board. Bruno farms based on the principles of lutte raisonée and alternates the groundcovering with partially plowed rows between the well-manicured vines. The modern cellar overlooks the Gironde from the heights of Saint-Julien. At harvest the fruit is sorted three times with progressively stricter standards to ensure only the best fruit makes it to the crusher. Aftermaceration and pressing, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and the then wine rests in two-thirds-new oak barrels for about ayear and a half before egg white fining and the final blending before it is bottled.

Tasting note: Fruity, earthy, structured and balanced, this wine will please now but is built to last. Blackberry and blueberry jam, kircheand cassis dominate with savoury herbs, forest floor, cedar and horse saddle. Fresh acids and velvety tannins ensure will keep you comingback for more.

About Winery:

Château la Bridane has been in the Saintout family since the end of the 17th century. Originally belonging to the parish ofSaint Laurent and tended by Abbot Bridane, a secular priest who earned extra income as a miller, the estate passed from the hands of theChurch to the Saintout’s at the beginning of the French Revolution. Centuries later with Bruno Saintout at the helm, Château La Bridane is oneof a few family estates in Saint-Julien working under the label "Vigneron Independent”. Vinifying, maturing and bottling entirely at the estate,this winemaker’s love of the terroir produces authentic wines true to their traditions.

One of the rare, unclassified estates in Saint-Julien,Château La Bridane is a dense estate vineyard sandwiched between the prestigious parcels of Château Léoville-Poyferré and Léoville-LasCases. Hailing from the smallest of the Bordeaux regions, this Saint-Julien carries a big punch, combining the elegance of Margaux with thepower of Pauillac. Dedicated to excellence and vine perfection, Bruno Saintout’s Château La Bridane drinks well above its price point, provingonce again that greatness is not measured in size.