Merlot – Vinumlector https://test.vinumlector.com Wine Experience Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:47:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://test.vinumlector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo-White-100x100.png Merlot – Vinumlector https://test.vinumlector.com 32 32 Château du Tertre Margaux Grand Cru Classé AOC https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/margaux/chateau-du-tertre-margaux-grand-cru-classe-aoc-2/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:27:35 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8765 Château du Tertre takes its name from the superb group of graves, culminating point of the Margaux appellation, on which is erected the castle. This millennial property of 52 hectares (of which 18 are grown biodynamic) enjoys worldwide renown thanks to the prestigious Grand Cru Classé de Margaux title it has had since 1855. The arrival of Eric Albada-Jelgersma, the current owner, in 1997 will profoundly mark the field. A restructuring program and heavy investments have restored its reputation to Château du Tertre. This program has resulted in upgrading technical equipment, reducing yields and setting up a new team. Under the direction of Alexander Van Beek ,Eric Boissenot for winemaking, the vineyard has significantly increased the quality of these wines, giving Château du Tertre its character and nobility, where silky and freshness are combined to bring you the elegance expected of a great Margaux wine. For more info, visit Château du Tertre website. VARIETALS 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot VINTAGE 2020 Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
A concentrated dark colour with a fine purple shine in the rim.

NOSE
With aromas of dark fruit, blackberries, blueberries and a light spicy Mediterranean undertone, this is a powerful wine with a creamy texture.

PALATE
The Cabernet Franc added fresh, tannic structure that brought elegance to the wine. Fine cedar notes are present in the lively, long finish.

AGEING
Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (40% new).

PAIRING
Ideal with many style of meat, perfect with filet mignon with spring vegetables.

READINESS FOR DRINKING
Drink now to 2045.

RATINGS

95pts

93pts

17pts

4.1

]]> Connétable Talbot, Saint-Julien (Château Talbot GCC 2nd wine) https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/saint-julien/connetable-talbot-saint-julien-chateau-talbot-gcc-2nd-wine-2/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:17:16 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8763 Château Talbot website. VARIETALS 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot VINTAGE 2021  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13%

APPEARANCE
Pretty deep ruby red dress.

NOSE
Ripe and rich in sensory profile shows notes of black plums, blackberries, incense, white pepper, cinnamon and gunpowder.

PALATE
Full body, soft tannins and a nicely laidback finish that lacks a bit of bite.

AGEING
15 months in 15% French new oak barrels.

PAIRING
Perfect with most roasted, braised or grilled meats and dishes with earthy flavors like mushroom and truffles. It can be enjoyed with a myriad of seafood dishes and it will be perfect with several soft and hard cheeses.

READINESS FOR DRINKING
Drink between 2024 and 2033.

RATINGS

91pts

3.8

]]> Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis en Médoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel AOC https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/moulis-en-medoc/chateau-chasse-spleen-moulis-en-medoc-cru-bourgeois-exceptionnel-aoc-2/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:33:35 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8757 Château Chasse-Spleen is the leading Moulis estate along with Château Poujeaux. Although it is classified only as a Cru Bourgeois, it regularly outperforms many of the Médoc's more renowned classed growths. There are numerous stories trying to explain the name of Chateau Chasse Spleen. The first version is that the name was inspired from a visit by Lord Byron in 1821, which was so moved, that he quoted, “Quel remede pour chasser le spleen”, which when loosely translated means, “What remedy to remove the spleen?”. The other equally poetic explanation is attributed to the poem Spleen, whose author Charles Baudelaire also visited Château Chasse-Spleen. A very elegant, fresh and classical wine with a lot of energy and drive on the finish with great aging potential.

For more info, visit Château Chasse-Spleen website. VARIETALS 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot VINTAGE 2021  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13%

APPEARANCE
Deep garnet.

NOSE
First nose, a bouquet of red fruits mixed with fresh peppermint, curry spices and linden blossom. After stirring, aromas of blackcurrant, and morello cherry on a mineral background.

PALATE
Suppleness in the mouth, power without an excessive opulence. Tannins are fine, finely woven, almost chalky. Long finish.

AGEING
12 to 18 months in French oak barrels.

PAIRING
Chateau Chasse Spleen is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, pasta as well as cheese.

RATINGS

16.5pts

]]> Lacroix-Martillac Par Latour-Martillac Pessac-Leognan AOC https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/pessac-leognan/lacroix-martillac-par-latour-martillac-pessac-leognan-aoc-2/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:28:30 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8745 Château LaTour-Martillac website. VARIETALS 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon VINTAGE 2018  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 14.5%

APPEARANCE
A deep, dense, purple colour.

NOSE
The nose is intense and aromatic, with fruity (red and black fruits), spicy (liquorice) and slightly smoky notes.

PALATE
The palate is powerful and fresh with wellrounded tannins.
Good length on the finish.

AGEING
12 months in French oak barrel.

PAIRING
It goes well with duck with complex sauce, braised lamb with spices and hard seasoned cheeses.

READINESS FOR DRINKING
Optimal tasting between 2023-2028.

RATINGS

91pts

3.8

]]> Clos de L’Oratoire Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé AOC https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/saint-emilion/clos-de-loratoire-saint-emilion-grand-cru-classe-aoc/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:22:33 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8739 Clos de l’Oratoire website. VARIETALS 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc VINTAGE 2018  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 14.5%

APPEARANCE
Deep garnet-purple color.

NOSE
The 2018 Clos de l’Oratoire sports a nose of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries, plus hints of candied violet, licorice and Sichuan pepper.

PALATE
The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruits plus loads of exotic spice and earthy accents, supported by very ripe, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

AGEING
In new barrels (45%), on fine lees, for 16 months. No fining.

PAIRING
Saint-Émilion goes really well with beef dishes such as braised beef, beef burger with cheddar and bacon or with mushroom.

RATINGS

93pts 

93pts

4.2

]]> Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Leognan AOC (by Château Smith Haut Lafitte GCC) https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/pessac-leognan/le-petit-smith-haut-lafitte-pessac-leognan-aoc-by-chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-gcc/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:48:51 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8736 Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation and dating back to 1365,  Château Smith Haut Lafitte  is one of the oldest châteaux in Bordeaux. This magnificent property entered a new era in its history following its acquisition by Daniel and Florence Cathiard in 1990. Driven with passion and ambition by the Cathiards, Château Smith Haut Lafitte has established itself as one of the finest properties in the Graves region, with wines world-renowned for their elegance and style, both red and white. The Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is is the second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte but produced and cared for with the same attention reserved for the château's first wine. The 2019 is made from vines averaging 11 years old. The château uses its own vines, thanks to a mother vine preserved in the nursery on Lalande Island.  For more info, visit Domaine de Chevalier website. VARIETALS 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot VINTAGE 2019  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
Deep garnet-purple colored.

NOSE
The nose brings out notes of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed black and red cherries, and baking spices, leading to an earthy undercurrent of tree bark and tilled soil.

PALATE
This wine is extremely fine with silky tannins and beautiful flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied, with notes of blackcurrant, liquorice and dark chocolate. A great finesse and a good structure with a lot of ageing potential.

AGEING
14 months in barrels (20% new barrels) produced in an inhouse cooperage.

PAIRING
Excellent to combine with second courses based on red meat, it lends itself to accompanying all recipes based on game.

RATINGS

94pts

94pts

94pts

4.1

]]> Château Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé de Graves Pessac-Leognan AOC https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/pessac-leognan/chateau-carbonnieux-grand-cru-classe-de-graves-pessac-leognan-aoc/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:54:14 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8731 2017 will be remembered for the frosty spells in late April that severely affected the Château Carbonnieux vineyard, but thanks to the meticulous attention paid to the vineyard and the precision and technique of the château team, they have succeeded in extracting the best from this vintage like true winemakers. A flagship wine of the estate, the 2017 Château Carbonnieux red is the result of a rigorous selection of the finest lots tasted. For more info, visit Château Carbonnieux website. VARIETALS 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot VINTAGE 2017  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%

APPEARANCE
Deep ruby red.

NOSE
The nose is very fruity, we easily guess cherry, blackcurrent, and blackberry.

PALATE
This fruity freshness which is also present on the palate stimulates and lengthens the fine and velvety tannins. The finish is highlighted by shades of cloves and eucalyptus. The wine is well-balanced and silky.

AGEING
Ageing in oak barrels for 16 to 18 months (35-40 % new oak).

PAIRING
It goes well with first and second courses based on meat, such as roasts and braised meats, and medium-aged cheeses. Try it on rich and tasty fish dishes such as tuna, salmon and swordfish.

RATINGS

93pts

93pts

92pts

91pts

4

]]> 5 Nuances – 5 Noble Grapes of France https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/southern-france/south-west-france/5-nuances-vin-de-france/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:35:31 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8728 VARIETALS Abouriou, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon VINTAGE 2022  Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 14.5%

APPEARANCE
Bright red with with purple nuances.

NOSE
The 5 grape varieties express themselves harmoniously in this cuvée with an intense nose of black fruits, lovely ripe red fruits and hints of toasted spice.

PALATE
Beautifully rich, balanced and long, where the spices extend into a well-proportioned mouthfeel, endowed with a delicious sweetness, supported by fine and flavorful tannins. A complete and charming wine.

PAIRING
Serve with grilled or casseroled meats, herby leg of lamb, cheeses or chocolate cake.

]]> Baron de Brane Margaux AOC (Château Brane-Cantenac GCC 2nd wine) https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/margaux/baron-de-brane-margaux-aoc-chateau-brane-cantenac-gcc-2nd-wine/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:22:52 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8706 Château Brane-Cantenac website. VARIETALS 58% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot VINTAGE 2020 Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 14%

APPEARANCE
Beautiful deep garnet color.

NOSE
The fresh, expressive nose, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and redcurrant, mingled with mellow, toasty oaky notes, reveals genuine aromatic complexity.

PALATE
On the palate, a supple attack evolves into a round, generous mid-palate, giving way to a finish of silky, mellow tannins and an excellent balance. A beautiful aromatic length, punctuated by black fruit aromas, mingling with red fruit aromas, underlines the elegance.

AGEING
12 months in French oak barrels (30% new oak, 70% used once).

PAIRING
At its best with tournedos with shallot confit and mushroom tagliatelle.

RATINGS

92pts

92pts

4

]]> Les Hauts du Tertre Margaux AOC (Château du Tertre GCC 2nd wine) https://test.vinumlector.com/our-wine/france/bordeaux/margaux/les-hauts-du-tertre-margaux-aoc-chateau-du-tertre-gcc-2nd-wine/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:50:37 +0000 https://test.vinumlector.com/?post_type=product&p=8705 Crafted with the same precision, passion, and expertise as Château du Tertre, Les Hauts du Tertre reveals another side of the estate, that of a wine best discovered and appreciated in its younger years. Lively, with silky tannins, its fruity and spicy notes blend with the delicacy of Margaux wines. For more info, visit Château du Tertre website. VARIETALS 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot VINTAGE 2017 Download Tasting Note]]> TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 12.5%

APPEARANCE
Elegant red colour.

NOSE
On the nose, it presents aromas of berries and dried flowers and herbs, plum, licorice, vanilla and pepper spice with notes of cedar wood, tobacco, toast and coffee.

PALATE
The palate is dry, with a fresh entry and good acidity with ripe and elegant tannins. Tasty, persistent and with a mineral and earthy finish.

AGEING
The wine aged for 12 to 15 months in 100% in French oak barrels.

PAIRING
Recommended with red and white meats, coq au vin, and duck magret

RATINGS

4

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