Hêtre (BIO-ORGANIC) - Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2020

2020 was an important year for L'Hêtre marked by the arrival of Professor Axel Marchal from ISVV as an oenologist/consultant, the decision to invest in a new cellar which we hope will be operational for the 2022 harvest and the purchase of an additional 5ha on the limestone plateau of Saint Genès which we are converting to organic in order to be able to integrate it into our L’Hêtre production in the next few years.

After a dry summer in 2020 and an early September without any rain, the grapes gradually reached maturity, slowed by the lack of water. Their skins remained thick for a long time and the average number of seeds was higher than usual, so the grapes had significant tannic potential.

Fortunately, the rain just before the harvest made it possible to correct the risk of over-ripeness, refine the skins and fine-tune the maturity of the tannins.

As always, we harvested manually starting with the young vines on September 14th and ending with the Cabernet Francs on September 28th. The wines fermented at 25°C and then macerated for 30 to 40 days before being aged in oak barrels (one third new) for 15 months before bottling.

Tasting notes

"Dark, glossy purple colour; good intensity on the nose with floral and spicy aromas ; on the attack there are appetising notes of mint, autumn fruit, and pepper. The texture is silky and energetic, reflecting well the limestone soils of the plateau. The tannins, while quite present are fresh and lively and lead to a spicy, racy finish." Fiona Morrison MW

"Intense in color with purple reflections, this wine releases intense aromas of fresh plum, but also violet and old rose from the first nose. After aeration, notes of liquorice underline its freshness and reinforce its complexity. The attack is soft, with a full mouthfeel and a tasty texture. The finish is marked by a salinity typical of the clay-limestone terroir which gives it a lot of length." Axel Marchal

Vinous

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2024

The 2020 L'Hêtre has a more restrained and nuanced bouquet that unfolds in the glass, with more mineralité and terroir expression than the preceding d'Aiguilhe. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins and gentle grip. Tobacco and graphite-infused black fruit lead to a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Wine Advocate

byWilliam Kelleythe4/6/2023

The 2020 L'Hêtre is the first vintage produced with Axel Marchal as consultant. Offering up aromas of dark berries, lilac, plums and a lavish application of creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with chalky tannins and a lively, vanillin-inflected finish.

Jeb DUNNUCK

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/30/2023

I was blown away by the quality of the 2020 L'Hetre, and this estate, as well as the entire Castillon region, is one to watch going forward. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new French oak, it has a ruby/purple hue as well as a classic limestone-influenced bouquet of black raspberries, chalky minerality, white truffle, and tobacco. Perfectly balanced and incredibly elegant, with building yet fine tannins, drink this remarkable Castillon any time over the coming two decades.

The Wine Independent

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/12/2023

L’Hetre 2020 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, grown organically on 30 hectares in Castillon by Maxime Thienpont, the nephew of Jacques, with Axel Marchal as their consultant. The wine has been produced since 2016. The 2020 is deep garnet-purple in color and shoots from the glass with vibrant notes of wild blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries, and mulberries, leading to suggestions of star anise, black olives, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with powerful black fruit and earthy flavors, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bright freshness, finishing long and minerally.

Vinous

byAntonio Gallonithe2/24/2023

The 2020 L'Hêtre is a gorgeous Côtes de Castillon from the Thienpont family. Racy and also beautifully layered, the 2020 is impressive right out of the gate. Ripe black cherry, menthol, lavender, spice and game infuse the 2020 with notable complexity. Readers will find a wine of real character and nuance that will challenge those of more famous appellations.

Vinous

byNeal Martinthe12/1/2022

The 2020 L'Hêtre represents the fourth vintage and comes from certified organic 75-year-old vines, matured in French oak, one-third new. This cuvée is made by Maxime Thienpont, whose father owns Clos de Quatre Vents in Margaux. The bouquet is a little fermé initially, gradually unfurling with blackberry, boysenberry and light iodine scents. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, one of the most structured Côtes de Castillon with a refreshing, quite saline finish and a touch of white pepper on the aftertaste. Lovely.

Information:	Details:
Couleur	Rouge
Cépages	Merlot 85 % Cabernet Franc 15 %
Appellation	Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux
Millesime	2020
Contenance	Double Magnum (3 l)

Information:

Details:

Couleur

Rouge

Cépages

Merlot 85 %
Cabernet Franc 15 %

Appellation

Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux

Millesime

2020

Contenance

Double Magnum (3 l)

Un repas	Autour du repas
Un cadeau	Faire une découverte !

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Hêtre (BIO-ORGANIC) - Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2020

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