Château Chauvin 2016

The tension and freshness of a Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

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 put all its energy and viticultural expertise at the service of this Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion. Since the 2014 vintage, château Chavin has been dressed in a new label, inspired by the one issued in 1929 whose design captivated Sylvie Cazes. Cupid, the god of Love, is thus depicted, bearing a banner on which the emblematic Saint-Émilion lion is represented. This label thus pays homage to the symbolism of the terminology of château Chauvin, meaning “being in love with his land”.

The vineyard
Château Chauvin’s vineyard 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 of age, planted on sandy-clay soils with a significant presence of iron pan on clay subsoils. Château Chauvin’s vineyard holds HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value).

The 2016 vintage
The 2016 vintage of Château Chauvin was marked by an early and uniform bud break thanks to an exceptionally mild winter and high rainfall. Spring was equally wet, with cool temperatures causing a delay in vine development. However, flowering took place perfectly and uniformly in June thanks to a small window of dry, sunny weather. While July did not make up for the spring delay, August was hot and marked by drought. The terroir of Château Chauvin reacted perfectly and limited hydric stress. Mid-September rains and cool nights allowed the berries to complete their ripening. Harvest took place from October 6 to 20 under perfect weather conditions.

Winemaking and aging
Pre-fermentation cold maceration for 2 to 5 days around 8 °C. Alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Maceration for 20 to 30 days. Gentle and slow extraction. Aging for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new).

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations for Château Chauvin 2016

Tasting

Color
Intense color.


Nose
Distinguished and refined, the nose reveals beautiful fruity aromas.

Palate
The wine is complex and concentrated on the palate, offering an elegant and silky tannic structure. With a lovely tension, the palate retains a beautiful freshness.