Château La Tour Baladoz, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France, 2020

Producer Profile

Owned by the De Schepper family, this relatively little-known but distinguished Grand Cru Classé 9 hectares property lies in the commune of St-Laurent-des-Combes, just 3km southeast of St Emilion.

The vineyards are planted on a chalk/clay soil with vines averaging 30 years of age. Matured for 12-15 months in 50% new oak, the wine is rich yet restrained with a rewarding depth of fruit and finely tempered structure.

Viticulture

Château Tour Baladoz's 9-hectare vineyard is situated on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, benefiting from exceptional terroir. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (77%), complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Cabernet Franc (7%), and Petit Verdot (6%). The vines, averaging 20 years in age, are cultivated using sustainable practices and are certified under the High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 standard.

Winemaking

After manual harvesting, the grapes were subjected to a cold pre-fermentation maceration lasting 15 to 30 days in concrete and stainless steel vats. Fermentation was carried out parcel by parcel, with each vat analyzed independently to determine the optimal vinification method. The wine was aged for 15 to 20 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which were new, sourced from ten different coopers, allowing for a complex and nuanced expression of the terroir.

Tasting Note

A deep ruby hue with garnet reflections. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe black cherries, blackberries, and subtle hints of liquorice and espresso. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and creamy, with a vibrant acidity that balances the rich fruit flavors. The tannins are well-integrated, leading to a finish that is both structured and persistent.

Food Matching

Hearty stews and braised dishes, Mature cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda, Mushroom-based dishes or truffle-infused cuisine.