Situated at the gateway to Bordeaux, Château Picque Caillou stands as a testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. The 2018 vintage reflects the estate's commitment to quality and tradition. With vineyards rooted in gravelly soils, the wine embodies the classic characteristics of Pessac-Léognan. Aged meticulously, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reveals a deep garnet hue and an aromatic bouquet of red fruits and subtle spices. On the palate, it delivers a balanced structure with silky tannins and a lingering finish, making it a versatile choice for both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.
TASTING NOTES
- Appearance: Deep garnet with ruby reflections.
- Aromas: Expressive notes of ripe red berries, blackcurrant, and hints of vanilla spice.
- Palate: Medium-bodied with a core of red cherries and cassis, complemented by lightly grilled oak flavors. The wine exhibits silky tannins and a balanced acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish.
- Pairing Suggestions: Ideal with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, as well as aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère.
DRINKING WINDOW
- Optimal Drinking Period: 2023–2035.
- Aging Potential: The 2018 vintage has the structure to develop further complexity over the next decade, rewarding those who choose to cellar it.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- 93 Points - Wine Enthusiast: "This well-structured wine shows both richness and tension. Black-currant fruitiness is balanced by a mineral texture that gives the wine a taut, structured edge that contrasts with the juicy fruits. This suggests the wine will age well."
- 93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Picque-Caillou leaps from the glass with bold notes of blackcurrant cordial, blueberry pie and preserved plums with hints of damp soil, truffles and camphor. Full-bodied, it gives mouth-filling black fruits with loads of minty sparks and a firm, chewy frame, finishing long and earthy."
- 91 Points - James Suckling: "Very attractive aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, stone and bark. It’s medium-to full-bodied with nicely integrated tannins and a juicy, flavorful finish. Shows finesse and suppleness for a 2018. Needs three or four years to open. Best after 2024."
| Château | Château Pique Caillou |
|---|---|
| Land | Frankrijk |
| region | Bordeaux |
| grape-varieties | cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot |
| vintage | 2018 |
| appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
| Size | 0,750 L |
| alcohol | 12,5 % |
Het château, gebouwd in 1756 door architect Jean Laclotte, is een prachtig voorbeeld van de 18e-eeuwse architectuur van Bordeaux. Sinds 1997 staat het onder de bezielende leiding van Paulin en Isabelle Calvet.
Leuke weetjes & USP's:
Een Oase in de Stad: Picque Caillou is een van de weinige overgebleven wijngaarden in de stedelijke zone van Bordeaux. Het ligt op slechts 15 minuten lopen van het wereldberoemde Château Haut-Brion.
De Naam: "Picque Caillou" vertaalt zich letterlijk naar "prikkende stenen" of "stenen steken". Dit verwijst naar de enorme hoeveelheid kiezels in de bodem die het werken op het land historisch gezien erg zwaar maakten, maar die essentieel zijn voor de kwaliteit van de wijn.
Pionier in Duurzaamheid: Het domein bezit de hoogste milieu-certificering (HVE3) en werkt met veel respect voor de biodiversiteit, midden in een drukke stedelijke omgeving.
