CLOS LUNELLES by Pavie, Cotes de Castillon 2016 Bottle - ORG

Description

Clos les Lunelles, nestled in the esteemed Côtes de Castillon, is a remarkable estate often overshadowed by nearby Saint-Émilion. Acquired by Château Pavie in 2001, this 9-hectare vineyard sits on the hill of Sainte-Colombe, with a composition of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The property’s exceptional terroir, akin to the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau, contributes to the wine's impressive character.

Rated 93 points by both The Wine Advocate and James Suckling, the 2016 vintage reveals an aromatic profile of black cherry preserves, raspberries, and floral notes. Suckling notes its full-bodied richness and velvety tannins. Vinous awarded it 92 points for its floral elegance and balance. The wine promises to develop beautifully in the cellar for 4 to 6 years, offering an exquisite drinking experience that pairs wonderfully with richly flavoured meats.

*****

Côtes de Castillon, an incredible terroir, too often overshadowed by Saint-Émilion. Acquired by Chateau Pavie in 2001, this 9-hectare property is located on the hillside of Sainte-Colombe, a clay-limestone plateau planted with 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Sainte Colombe is the highest point of the Côtes de Castillon, located in the extension of the Saint Emilion limestone plateau, whose essential characteristics it shares. Clos les Lunelles is located on this privileged terroir, just a few kilometers from Château Pavie as the crow flies.

The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in temperature-controlled cement vats followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is aged in new barrels for 18 to 24 months and is bottled without fining or filtration.

Clos Lunelles boasts a beautiful dark hue. The aromas are fully developed and ripe, the entire aromatic spectrum expressing itself with notes of black berries and delicate spices such as licorice, cocoa, and dried tobacco leaf. The mouthfeel is refined, even silky. The tannins are fine, forming a delicate framework within the structure. The finish is beautifully long, elegant, and masterful. It will develop further in the cellar for 4 to 6 years.

Pair it with meats you choose to complement with a sanguine note, such as pink pigeon with fresh peas, duck breast with smoked jus, and duck offal risotto.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Drink Date: 2019 - 2035
Deep purp-black in color, the 2016 Clos les Lunelles bursts from the glass with flamboyant black cherries preserves, black raspberries, kirsch and crème de cassis notes with touches of violets, licorice and Chinese five spice. Full, rich, concentrated and decadently fruited in the mouth, it fills the palate with exotic spice accents and a firm yet velvety frame, finishing very long and hedonic.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
The cherries and currants pop out of the glass. So aromatic. Full-bodied and dense with round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So sexy and delicious. Hard not to drink now with such soft tannins. Drink after 2021.

VINOUS 92 points
The 2016 Clos Lunelles is, floral, lifted and super-polished in the glass. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate are all lifted by a hint of blood orange and floral notes that add freshness. Medium in body and pliant, with terrific balance, the Clos Lunelles has so much to offer. This is an especially refined vintage for the Clos Lunelles. - Antonio Galloni