2011 Chateau Cardinal-Villemaurine, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Chateau Cardinal Blend, France
Situated at the center of the small, historic town of Saint-Emilion, the estate has been family-run for the past four generations. The name of this tiny vineyard originates from the time of the Saracen invasions around 732 when the Moor armies set up an observation camp here - hence the name of Villemaurine, meaning the town of the Moors. Produced with passionate dedication by Jean-François Carrille, this wine expresses all the finesse and elegance of this exceptional terroir.
At Château Cardinal-Villemaurine, harvesting is done by hand as it has been since the estate was created. The wine is vinified using traditional methods, but with modern temperature control and grape reception techniques. The vats and barrels are filled by gravity to preserve the wine's structure and flavour. The wines are aged in barrels for 16 months to 2 years in spacious underground cellars carved into the limestone rock, which offers excellent storage conditions.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES - 40 years
GRAPE VARIETIES - 70% merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc
TERROIR - Calcareous clay soil and subsoil typical of the best Saint-Emilion growths.
VINTAGE 2011.
TASTING NOTES - The intense garnet hue and ruby tints of this wine herald in a subtle, harmonious bouquet divided between ripe red and dark fruit and oakiness with a touch of vanilla. The ample, dense palate of ripened dark fruit and spices is enhanced by a hint of minerality which is typical of the terroir. Long, elegant tannins accompany a lingering finish that leaves behind an impression of superb balance.
A wine which is worth cellaring for a few years – drinking nicely from 2015 but with an aging potential of several years more.