2020 Chateau de Crouseilles Madiran AOC, Southwest France – DE96

2020 Chateau de Crouseilles Madiran AOC, Southwest France – DE96

$34.95

Description

With its huge tannins tempered both by ripe forest fruits and deftly managed time in barrel, this bold offering from SW France should both intrigue and satisfy fans of Bordeaux – while remaining utterly distinct and unique. (Testifying to the grape’s raw power, Tannat in this area is actually “tamed” by the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon!) Grown on slopes surrounding the hilltop chateau, these old vines enjoy calcareous clay soils and a bit of extra altitude, all less than an hour away from the Pyrenees towering in the distance. 96 points from Decanter for the 2020 vintage.

Key points!

-Plaimont purchased the chateau in 1999, which is based in Madiran

-80% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

-Organic (non-certified); grapes dry-farmed and picked by hand

-Old vine, from sloped, single vineyard that surrounds the chateau

-Calcareous clay soils and a bit of extra altitude, all less than an hour away from the Pyrenees 

-Aged in barrique for 18 months

-96 points Decanter