Château d'Arsac 2020

The balance and structure of an Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from Haut-Médoc

The estate

A Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Château d’Arsac is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, on the left bank of Bordeaux. Owned by Philippe Raoux since 1986, the property has undergone a bold and original renovation. In a resolutely contemporary spirit, Château d'Arsac stands out for its cellar draped in stainless steel, a glass roof with raw materials and its Klein blue colour. The estate also hosts numerous artistic exhibitions in its Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden. The renowned wines of Château d'Arsac are produced under the Margaux appellation.

The vineyard

The Château d'Arsac vineyard covers 53 hectares of vines aged 27 years on average and planted in deep gravel soils upon brown soils and outcrops of marl-limestone. The vines are cultivated with practices of sustainable viticulture, with the implementation of a zero residue policy since 2016. The vine rows are grassed and each vine stock is subject to constant monitoring.

The vintage

The warm spring seasoned allowed for an early and even budding of the vines. While the stormy days at the beginning of May caused damage on some plots, the hot and sunny conditions at the end of May favoured a rapid, uniform and generous flowering. The summer was marked by a hot and very dry dry climate, which slowed down the vegetative cycle of the vines and reduced yields by nearly 20%. A rainy period in September revived the ripening of the grapes and development of the vines. The grapes harvested were perfectly ripe and healthy.

Vinification and ageing

The vinification was classic, with gentle extraction in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Ageing was carried out exclusively in barrels (40% new barrels, 40% second-fill barrels and 20% of third-fill barrels).

The blend

The Château d´Arsac 2020 was made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) and Merlot (28%).

The tasting

Colour

Dark and deep, the wine displays a beautiful garnet red colour.

Nose

The intense palate blends floral (violet) and fruity (raspberry, blackcurrant) fragrances, along with white pepper, woody and brioche notes.

Palate

Precise and beautifully fresh, the palate seduces with its mouth-coating tannins, combining power and finesse. The finish is persistent and structured. This vintage is marked by the combination of balance and a controlled power.