Château CHAUVIN - Magnum 2016
Château Chauvin, located northwest of Saint-Émilion, is one of those estates whose identity is based on the finesse of merlot and the deep elegance of cabernet franc. Neighboring Cheval Blanc and Figeac, the estate benefits from a remarkable terroir of sands, fine clays, and iron deposits, which give its wines a characteristic floral aroma and a savory structure. Taken over in 2014 by the Cazes family, also owners of Lynch-Bages, the château has undergone ambitious modernization, both in the vineyard and in the winemaking facilities. The goal is clear: to preserve the historic soul of the cru while raising its level of demand and precision. The 2016 vintage, of exceptional purity in the appellation, finds in this terroir an ideal ground for expression. Offered in magnum, it gains even more freshness, complexity, and aging potential.
Château Chauvin Magnum 2016 is made from a blend dominated by merlot complemented by cabernet franc and a touch of cabernet sauvignon, a trio that defines the classic balance of the great right bank crus. Hand harvesting, carried out parcel by parcel, allows for a fine selection of berries, promoting optimal aromatic maturity. Winemaking in small volumes offers a detailed reading of the vintage, with gentle extractions aiming for precision rather than power. Aging in French oak barrels, with a judicious proportion of new wood, brings texture, depth, and perfectly integrated spicy nuances. The 2016 vintage stands out for its exceptional maturity, pure and vibrant fruit, dense yet silky tannins, and freshness that structures the wine with great harmony. The magnum format, particularly suited to vintages of great stature, guarantees a slow and majestic evolution, revealing over the years the full complexity of the cru.
On tasting, Château Chauvin Magnum 2016 shows a dark garnet robe with still violet reflections. The nose opens on an intense bouquet blending black cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, and violet, complemented by notes of licorice, cocoa, blond tobacco, and soft spices. On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, carried by a fleshy merlot that offers density and roundness, while the cabernet franc brings verticality, tension, and aromatic freshness. The tannic structure is firm but perfectly integrated, revealing a rich, velvety, and deeply harmonious mid-palate. The finish is long, precise, marked by beautiful minerality and a persistent return of black fruits and spices. At the table, this magnum will ideally accompany a tournedos Rossini, a roasted rack of lamb, duck confit, veal chop with morels, or a platter of aged cheeses.
Grape varieties: approximately 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
