Château Pédesclaux 2020

A Refined and Aromatic Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac

The property

The 5th Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, the Château Pédesclaux was founded under the impetus of Urbain-Pierre Pédesclaux, a wine broker, at the beginning of the 19th century. The Lorenzetti family took over the estate in 2009 and elevated the cru to the highest level by equipping it with state-of-the-art facilities. Notably, 2014 marked the construction of a new gravity-fed cellar designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. In 2018, Manon Lorenzetti took over the reins of the property, infusing it with dynamic energy.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Pédesclaux extends over 52 hectares of vines spread over 19 different terroirs of Pauillac. Since 2019, the vineyard has been converting to organic farming. The vineyard is thus managed by Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen, advised by the oenologist Éric Boissenot.

The vintage

While the winter of 2020 was the mildest in the region since 1854, it was also the rainiest of the last 20 years. Although the early flowering was homogeneous, the pressure from mildew was significant. The summer was marked by heatwave conditions from the end of July. The beautiful thermal amplitudes of early September favored the expression and aromatic complexity of the grapes. The harvest began 10 days early. The fully ripe grapes harvested are concentrated and of great quality.

Despite the difficult climatic conditions of this vintage, the organic farming of the 19 terroirs of the property ensured the good development of the entire vineyard, notably by stimulating the microbiological life of the soils and thus improving the natural resistance of the vines.

Vinification and aging

Following the harvest, the grapes spend 24 hours in a cold room before being sorted. The vinifications are carried out with extreme finesse in order to preserve the purity of the fruit and confer a silky touch. The aging lasts 16 months in barrels (60% new, 40% of one wine) from 9 coopers. Trials in jars and amphorae are carried out to enhance the brilliance of the fruit.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (56%), merlot (34%), cabernet franc (5%), petit verdot (5%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Pédesclaux 2020

Tasting

Nose
Complex nose combining notes of spices and green pepper.

Palate
Juicy and enveloping, the palate of beautiful persistence reveals silky tannins. A refined wine whose powerful structure is enhanced by delicious spicy notes.