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Chateau de Ricaud – Cadillac
AOC Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux
Château de Ricaud Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux signals a new lease of life for the estate. This cru wine interprets the utimate expression of Merlot on clay-limestone soils and Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel. Well-structured and complex, it combines intense fruit with lovely soft character. The excellent quality of recent vintages has made this wine one of the rising stars in Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux.
Tasting notes
Concentrated in appearance. The sappy nose seduces from the outset, unleashing appealing spicy notes of white pepper and ripe fruits. Crunchy and taut on the palate, underpinned by an all-encompassing tannic structure. Fresh, savoury notes culminate in a lingering, attractive finish.
The vintage
2020 is an early, demanding vintage, which afforded the teams little respite. This was a year defined by nerve-racking disease pressure and contrasting weather. Winter was mild and wet, fully replenishing water reserves in the soils, and followed by a particularly hot spring with plentiful rainfall. The conditions promoted vine growth, and coaxed budburst and flowering to arrive ten to fifteen days in advance, varying from parcel to parcel. The dry summer and lack of water set in later this year, and was also cooler than the norm. From mid-July onwards, the heat triggered perfect maturation in the grapes, while lack of water carries the promise of great complexity and generous tannins. This vintage is defined by the 10-day precociousness, small berries, high quality, tannic juices and terrific aromatic freshness.
Blending
- 77% Merlot
- 17% Cabernet Franc
- 4% Cabernet Franc
- 4% Petit Verdot
Food pairing
Red and white meat (entrecôte bordelaise, minute steak, beef tartare, neck of lamb, leg of mutton, duck magret), vegetables and side dishes (gratin dauphinois), cheese (Mimolette, Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan).
