Château Picque-Caillou Red 2020
Located in Mérignac, on the outskirts of Bordeaux, Château Picque-Caillou is one of the last witnesses of the historic vineyard that once surrounded the city. Situated in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, this estate benefits from a terroir of Garonne gravel particularly conducive to the production of great red wines. Since 1997, Paulin and Isabelle Calvet have undertaken an extensive enhancement of the estate, with the ambition to reveal all the finesse and elegance of this unique vineyard, now surrounded by urbanization. The name Picque-Caillou directly refers to the nature of the soils, made up of gravel and pebbles deposited by the Garonne during ancient geological periods. These particularly well-drained formations promote deep rooting of the vines and gradually release the heat accumulated during the day, thus contributing to a regular ripening of the grapes. The vineyard, about twenty hectares, is mainly dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, two grape varieties that find particularly favorable conditions here for their expression. Château Picque-Caillou Red stands out for a classic and refined style, where the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon meets the roundness of Merlot, with that slightly smoky and mineral signature characteristic of the great Graves terroirs.
The 2020 vintage is among the very fine recent successes of the Bordeaux vineyard, thanks to climatic conditions that favored remarkable grape maturity. After a particularly mild winter and an early spring marked by significant rainfall, summer settled in with high temperatures and prolonged dryness. The water reserves built up in spring allowed the vines to get through this hot period, while some rainy episodes in August helped to restart berry ripening. The particularly early harvest allowed the collection of concentrated grapes, endowed with beautiful aromatic richness and ripe tannins. On the Picque-Caillou gravel, Cabernet Sauvignon developed a deep structure and an intense expression of black fruits, while Merlot brought its generosity and natural suppleness. The vinification favored a gradual and measured extraction to preserve the finesse of the tannins and avoid any harshness in a naturally concentrated vintage. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanied the softening of the matter and the development of aromatic complexity, with a controlled use of new wood so as not to mask the expression of the terroir. Château Picque-Caillou 2020 thus combines the richness and depth of a great sunny vintage with the balance and elegance that characterize the best wines of Pessac-Léognan.
Château Picque-Caillou Red 2020 reveals a deep and shiny garnet robe, with still strong violet reflections. Its expressive bouquet opens with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by floral nuances of violet and delicate touches of licorice. Upon aeration, notes of cedar, graphite, blond tobacco, and fine spices enrich this aromatic palette, while a subtle smoky dimension recalls the identity of the great Graves wines. On the palate, the attack is ample and generous, with a dense and fleshy matter that reflects the natural concentration of the vintage. The tannins, ripe and perfectly integrated, provide a solid yet elegant structure, while a well-preserved freshness balances the richness of the fruit. Flavors of blackcurrant, black plum, and ripe red fruits continue with nuances of cocoa, precious wood, and fine spices, revealing a harmonious complexity. The finish, long and persistent, is distinguished by its depth and precision, with a mineral and slightly smoky touch that adds relief to the whole. Already appealing after slight aeration, this Pessac-Léognan also has a beautiful aging potential, during which it will gradually develop aromas of undergrowth, fine leather, and truffle. It will ideally accompany a grilled rib steak, a roasted rack of lamb, duck breast, a beef fillet with cep mushrooms, or a fine farm poultry with mushrooms.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
