Château du Moulin Rouge, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France 2016

Château du Moulin Rouge is a family-owned estate with 13 generations of winemaking tradition, situated between the renowned appellations of Margaux and Saint-Julien-Beychevelle. The estate spans 27 hectares of gravelly slopes near the Gironde estuary, benefiting from a moderating maritime climate that enhances grape ripening and aromatic complexity.

• WINEMAKER: Lucie Secret

• FARMING: Sustainable (HVE3 certified)

• VARIETY: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

• TERROIR: Gravelly hilltops with ample sunshine and a microclimate influenced by the nearby Gironde estuary.

• VINIFICATION: Manual harvesting followed by double sorting. Fermentation in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks with daily monitoring to determine optimal decanting time.

• AGING: Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with one-third renewed annually.

• TASTING NOTES: The 2016 vintage presents an aromatic and elegant nose with notes of mocha, toasted oak, ripe raspberry, and subtle hints of cassis, violet, and Sichuan pepper. On the palate, it offers a fruity, fresh, and well-balanced profile with flavors of ripe blackberry, juicy raspberry, red berries, and a touch of chocolate on the finish. The tannins are well-structured, contributing to a good length.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Pairs excellently with roasted meats, game, aged cheeses, and dishes with rich sauces.

• SCORES: 89-90 points – Vertdevin