Grandes Murailles - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021

Grandes Murailles - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021

ESTATE PHILOSOPHY
Since their acquisition of the estate in 2013, and drawing on all their experience of the same soil-type at Clos Fourtet, the Cuvelier family, under the impetus of Matthieu Cuvelier, has consistently invested both in the vineyard, moving towards sustainable viticulture, carefully respecting natural balances; and in the wine-making, exercising perfect control over the high quality of the wines produced from the plots of Les Grandes Murailles. Working in meticulous detail year after year, the Cuvelier family has endeavoured to produce from this small 2-hectare limestone parcel, timeless wines expressing finesse and precision, capable of ageing a great many years.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VINTAGE
IN THE VINES The 2021 growing season started with a mild, rainy winter, which brought about an even budding around 20th March. Spring began in cool, dry weather with temperature lows below zero which led to destructive frosts, although a proactive anti-frost strategy at the estate prevented any crop losses. A low-pressure system set in during the months of May and June with a welcome settled spell of weather during the flowering process. Fungal disease pressure was very high, and outbreaks were only prevented through our constant care and attention in the vineyard. The mid-veraison point was reached at the beginning of August. Qualitative water stress brought about by our limestone soils and 4 weeks of fine weather ensured good ripening of the pips and a build-up of phenolic compounds. In September, the berries completed the refining of the tannins and developed a complex aromatic palette.
IN THE CELLARS 20% of the juices were bled from the vats in order to rebalance the juice/solids ratio and harmonise the natural balance of the vintage. 

2021 GROWING SEASON FACTS AT LES GRANDES MURAILLES:
? Early bud-break after a very rainy and mild winter
? Proactive frost-damage prevention
? Fast flowering
? Long, late veraison
? Moderate water deficit stress
? Four weeks of fine weather during the ripening process
? Harvesting in late September to enhance the aromatic palette.

LES GRANDES MURAILLES 2021 CHARACTERISTICS:
? A satisfactory crop yield
? Precision and aromatic freshness
? Smooth, silky tannic structure
? A more ‘classic’ balance on the palate
? Very good length of flavour
? Expectations for long ageing potential