Château Cartier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020

Château Cartier, nestled in the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, embodies classic Bordeaux tradition with a refined, contemporary touch. Situated in one of Bordeaux's most historic appellations, this estate produces wines celebrated for their elegance, depth, and precise terroir expression. The superb 2020 vintage showcases a harmonious balance of concentrated fruit, subtle complexity, and refined structure, making it an excellent example of Saint-Émilion's charm and sophistication.

The vineyards of Château Cartier benefit from the region’s ideal conditions, where limestone-clay soils mingle with sandy gravel, ensuring optimal drainage and controlled vine vigour. These soils impart subtle minerality, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity, particularly suited to Merlot-dominant blends with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Meticulous vineyard management, hand-harvesting, gentle extraction techniques, and ageing in carefully selected French oak barrels (approximately 16–18 months) produce wines of exceptional elegance, complexity, and age-worthy character.

Appearance: Deep, vibrant ruby-red with luminous garnet highlights at the rim, reflecting youthful elegance. Exceptional clarity, medium-to-full-bodied viscosity, and refined, slow-moving legs gently coat the glass.

Aroma: Expressive aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackcurrants intertwine gracefully with nuances of cedarwood, delicate spice, and gentle notes of tobacco leaf and earth. Subtle hints of dark chocolate and mineral undertones add complexity and depth.

Taste: Beautifully balanced palate, presenting vibrant flavours of blackberry, dark plum, cherry compote, and subtle raspberry, harmonised by delicate notes of cedar, tobacco, and gentle spices. Polished tannins and vibrant acidity ensure remarkable harmony, elegance, and depth.

Finish: Long-lasting, refined finish, echoing ripe dark fruits, cedar spice, subtle earthiness, and mineral freshness. Velvety tannins recede gracefully, highlighting the wine’s exceptional ageing potential and sophisticated elegance.

Food Pairing: Exceptional paired with roast beef tenderloin served with a Bordelaise sauce and creamy potato gratin, or herb-crusted lamb rack accompanied by wild mushrooms and a red-wine reduction.