Château le Bruilleau, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2019

Viticulture

At the gateway to Bordeaux, this intimate 7-hectare vineyard dedicated to red varieties is cultivated plot by plot with certified, reasoned farming practices. Twenty-year-old vines, rooted in a refined blend of gravel, clay, and chalk, express a precise terroir shaped by balance, authenticity, and environmental respect.

Winemaking

Harvesting is primarily manual, followed by destemming, crushing, and careful sorting (often on a vibrating table). The grapes undergo a pre-fermentation cold maceration (typically around 10 hours at low temperature) to enhance colour extraction, aromatic complexity, and texture without excessive tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with a maceration (cuvaison) lasting an average of 4 weeks. This extended period allows for thorough extraction of tannins, colour, and flavours while maintaining freshness and avoiding over-extraction.

Tasting Note

Deep ruby red with good concentration and a bright rim, displaying excellent clarity and depth typical of the appellation. The bouquet is expressive and layered, opening with generous aromas of red and black fruits (ripe cherries, blackcurrants, plums), complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, black pepper, cedar wood, and a hint of earthiness and tobacco from judicious oak influence. The attack is beautiful and fruit-forward, revealing a soft yet dense texture with silky, velvety tannins that provide elegance and approachability. Medium-bodied with ripe red and black fruit at the core, it offers lovely complexity, a touch of spicy cedar and graphite minerality, and well-integrated oak. Acidity remains fresh and supportive, leading to a long, harmonious finish marked by lingering fruit, subtle spice, and a refined, savoury edge.

Food matching

Perfect with grilled or roasted red meats, and with aged or hard cheeses.