Château Fleur de Lisse Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2017

Château Fleur de Lisse, located in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, crafts wines that embody both tradition and innovation. The 2017 vintage was marked by a cooler growing season, resulting in wines with more finesse, elegance, and bright acidity, which characterise the more classic vintages of Bordeaux. Fleur de Lisse is a Merlot-dominant blend, typical of Saint-Émilion, complemented by Cabernet Franc, bringing freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity to the wine.

The château's organic and biodynamic practices contribute to the purity of the fruit, while careful aging in oak barrels enhances complexity without overpowering the wine’s natural character.

Appearance: Medium ruby with garnet reflections, showcasing its youthful vibrancy and potential for further aging.

Aroma: The nose is elegant and inviting, with aromas of ripe red berries—cherry, redcurrant, and raspberry—layered with earthy notes of forest floor, cedar, and a hint of tobacco. There’s a subtle floral note of violet, alongside spice elements such as cinnamon and clove from the oak aging, adding depth to the bouquet.

Taste: Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh and balanced, offering flavours of juicy red fruits like cherry, complemented by savoury notes of dried herbs, leather, and a touch of graphite. The wine’s tannins are smooth and well-integrated, giving structure without heaviness, while a lively acidity keeps the palate lifted and refreshing. The Cabernet Franc adds a floral lift and additional complexity, providing a harmonious blend.

Finish: Long and graceful, with lingering notes of red fruit, spice, and a touch of earthy minerality. The wine finishes with a clean, fresh acidity, making it both elegant and easy to drink, with enough structure to age further.

Pairings: Pulled duck tortellini in a French onion broth with sprouts, chive, and dried shallots. The wine’s acidity and red fruit will balance the richness of the duck, while its earthy notes complement the savoury onion broth.

Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus. The wine’s bright acidity and fine tannins will balance the rich pork, while its herbaceous notes enhance the earthy flavours of the dish.

Château Fleur de Lisse Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2017 is a beautifully balanced, elegant wine that showcases the finesse of the vintage. Its combination of fresh red fruit, savoury depth, and fine tannins makes it versatile for pairing with a range of dishes. While drinking well now, it also has the potential to evolve over the next 5–8 years.