Château Ripeau 2021

A Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Emilion seductive in its freshness and balance

The estate

A Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé since 1955, Château Ripeau’s roots date back to the 13th century. The estate has since been passed into the hands of several owners. Notably, in 1874, it was owned by the Bühler brothers, landscape-architects known for having created over a hundred gardens and parks, including Parc Bordelais. Then, in 1917, Marcel Loubat, the brother of Edmonde de Wilde, then-owner of Pétrus, who gave the estate its reputation of excellence.

The Grégoire family acquired the estate in 2015 and carried out significant renovation work to the vineyard and the infrastructure.

The vineyard

Château Ripeau 2021 is a Saint-Emilion wine made from a single vineyard of 16.1 hectares, located on a high point of the appellation’s north-western plateau. The vines are 35 years old on average and are planted on a terroir composed of slightly gravelly and sandy soils on the surface, with a clay iron vein on the subsoil.

The vintage

A mild winter favoured early budburst, followed by a spring marked by frost in April, which had an impact on the vineyard. Subsequently, heavy rainfall during the growing season led to strong mildew pressure. The rigour and reactivity of the teams enabled them to preserve the vineyard’s healthy condition. The mild conditions from August to October were ideal for refining the ripening process. This vintage reveals a fresh, fruity expression and a rare balance.

Vinification and ageing

Hand picked. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats with inverted and tapered stainless steel vats, at low temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Precise vinification and extraction management to maintain a good balance. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels (100% new), as is ageing.

The blend

Merlot (65%)

Cabernet Franc (30%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)

Château Ripeau 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Bright, with an intense purple colour.

Nose

The nose is very pure, combining floral (peony, violet), spicy (black pepper) and mentholated fragrances with delicious fruity notes (raspberry, blueberry) and subtle toasted notes evoking aromas of coffee and vanilla.

Palate

Ample and with a beautiful tension, the palate is seduced by this wine’s refreshing minty notes. Delicious cocoa aromas blend with fine tannins and lead to a long finish.