Château Chauvin 2020

The elegance and complexity of a Great Growth from Saint-Émilion, fresh and intense at the same time

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 put all their energy and viticultural experience into this Saint-Émilion Classified Great Growth. Since the 2014 vintage, the wines of Château Chavin have been graced with a new label, inspired by the one first published in 1929, the design of which charmed Sylvie Cazes. Cupid, the god of love, is thus pictured, along with the iconic lion of Saint-Emilion. This label pays homage to the symbolism of Château Chauvin, meaning "to be in love with one's land".

The vineyard

The Château Chauvin vineyard is located to the north-west of the town of Saint-Émilion. The property enjoys an exceptional location between Château Cheval Blanc and the Butte de Roi. The vineyard covers an area of 15 hectares of vines aged 30 years on average, planted in sandy clay soils with a significant proportion of iron ore on clay subsoils. The Château Chauvin vineyard has earned the HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value).

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was a very big year at Château Chauvin. Winter was mild and rainy, leading to very even vine budding at the start of spring. Flowering was also early, taking place under excellent conditions. Warm and sunny weather continued into July. Thanks to the immense temperature variations, tannins were accumulated and the aromas showed a beautiful concentration. Thanks to the rainy spells and cool nights in September, the grapes reached a perfect state of ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

After manual harvests in small-capacity, slatted crates, during which the best berries are selected, the grapes are again sorted by expert hands at the cellar. First, the berries macerate in the cold for 2 to 5 days at a temperature of 8 degrees. Subsequently, fermentation takes place, first of all in thermoregulated, stainless steel vats, then in barrels. Vatting takes place for between 20 to 30 days, with gentle and slow extraction. Finally, the wine ages in 60% new French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months.

Blend

Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (28%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2%).

Tasting

The 2020 Château Chauvin reveals, with much finesse, the radiance of Merlot paired with Cabernet, which seduce with impressive complexity and elegance. This cuvée truly bears the mark of freshness and density of the greatest vintages.