Chateau de Pressac Saint Emilion Grand Cru (Grand Cru Classé) 2013

Perched on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, Château de Pressac overlooks the valley of the Dordogne River.

Here, remarkable geology paired with the area's microclimate provide the ideal conditions for the grapevine's development.

The teams' expertise,acquired over many years and in continual development enables close monitoring of the vineyard's characteristics and its truly original location.

In a single block around the château, the 41-hectare vineyard brings together the appellation's three main terroirs in a limestone plateau, the clay-limestone slope surrounding the hill and the silty clay-limestone foot of the slope, each occupying equal parts of the estate.

In an approach designed to reflect the specificities of nature, this rare diversity of soils and sun exposure has led to the planting of multiple grape varieties and carefully adapted growing practices.

Château de Pressac is the only Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé today to grow six grape varieties, all perfectly planted in the areas that suit them best:

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Noir de Pressac (Malbec) and Petit Verdot.

Dedicated to ensuring the sustainable preservation of nature, Château de Pressac is a leading estate in terms of environmental protection. It has adopted the Environmental Management System since its creation and has been awarded Level 3 High Environmental Value certification.

The stunning, iconic terraces are another unique feature of the estate.

Formerly worked with oxen, vines were reintroduced to the steepest slopes in 1999.

All along this hillock, the south-facing slopes stretch across narrow steps that naturally prevent erosion and washout.

Together, this unique geography and the exceptional diversity of its grape varieties sculpt the nuanced richness and complexity of Château de Pressac's wines.

Plot-by-plot management has become a guiding principle, with growing practices adapted to each of the components found in the estate's rich patchwork of soils.

In the spirit of the 18th century, when it was the first to plant the grape variety that would later bear its name – the Noir de Pressac or Malbec variety

Since purchasing the estate in 1997, Jean-François and Dominique Quenin have been dedicated to bringing it to life.

Under a very dark and brilliant purplish red color, the Château De Pressac reveals an intense and complex aromatic bouquet. Aromas of black fruits, such as plum or blueberry, mingle with notes of vanilla, coffee, liquorice and sweet spices. At the palate too, the Château de Pressac is of great generosity and gluttony. The tannins are polished but with a nice mache. The finish is concentrated, dominated by the aromas of black fruits which soar in a very voluptuous finish.

Awards:

94 Andreas Larsson

94 Jeff Leve The Wine Cellar Insider

93 Falstaff

91 Tim Atkin

90 Jean-Marc Quarin

18/20 Vinium

16.5/20 Jancis Robinson

15.5/20 La Revue du Vin de France