Château Chauvin 2020

The elegance and complexity of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that is both fresh and intense

The estate

It was in 2014 that Sylvie Cazes and her children acquired Château Chauvin. Continuing the work carried out by the Ondet family, the Cazes family has devoted all its energy and viticultural experience to this Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion. Since the 2014 vintage, Château Chavin has been adorned with a new label, inspired by the one issued in 1929, whose design captivated Sylvie Cazes. Cupid, the god of Love, is thus depicted, carrying a banner on which the emblematic Saint-Émilion lion appears. This label thus pays tribute to the symbolism of Château Chauvin’s name, meaning “ to be in love with one’s land ”.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Chauvin is located northwest of the commune of Saint-Émilion. The estate enjoys an exceptional location between Château Cheval Blanc and the Butte de Roi. The vineyard covers 15 hectares of vines averaging 30 years in age, planted on sandy-clay soils with a significant presence of iron pan over clay subsoils. Château Chauvin’s vineyard benefits from HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value).

The vintage

The 2020 vintage represents a truly great year at Château Chauvin. The winter was mild and rainy, resulting in very uniform budbreak at the start of spring. Flowering was also early and took place under excellent conditions. Warm and sunny weather continued into July. Thanks to wide temperature variations, the tannins accumulated and the aromas show fine concentration. With rainy episodes and cool nights in September, the grapes achieved perfect ripeness.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting in small ventilated crates during which the best berries are selected, the grapes are sorted again by expert hands at the winery. The berries first undergo cold maceration for 2 to 5 days at 8°C. Subsequently, fermentation initially takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, then in barrels. Maceration lasts 20 to 30 days with gentle and slow extraction. Finally, the wine ages in French oak barrels, 60% new, for 15 to 18 months.

Blend

Merlot (70%), cabernet franc (28%), cabernet sauvignon (2%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Chauvin 2020

Tasting

This wine reveals with great finesse the brilliance of merlot combined with cabernets that seduce with impressive complexity and elegance. This cuvée truly bears the imprint of freshness and density characteristic of the greatest vintages.