Chateau La Grange Clinet Bordeaux 2016 1.5L

Wine Enthusiast 91
”A good proportion of the two Cabernets gives structure to contrast with the generous Merlot in this wine. A touch of mint melds with the ripe blackberry flavor to produce a well-balanced wine with great potential. Drink from 2021.”~Roger Voss

Château LA GRANGE CLINET is located in the village of St Caprais, 15 km south of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Garonne river, in the appellation Premières Côtes de Bordeaux.

In the past, LA GRANGE CLINET was part of the very large property of the Barons Prom, Chateau La Cure (18th century) of more than 350 hectares.

The Haury Family, the current owners, bought in 1983 one large parcel of 48 Hectares, south of the village, which had rested as meadows and wild woods since the 1960's.


Vineyard

Chateau La Grange Clinet Vineyard Grapevines were planted – starting in 1984 - with varietals recommended by Emile Peynaud, the father of modern Bordeaux wine making.

Production of the estate is 180 000 bottles a year, from an average harvest of 47 Hl/hectare or 220 cases per acre.

The actual estate is now 123 acres wide, located on 3 lengthy hills, east/west oriented, and centered around a 19.8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a pond of 1 ½ acres, 8.2 acres of forest, and the rest in shrubs and natural meadows.

The 70 acres of grapevines surrounding this reserve are mixed with other natural meadows.

All of this forms a very rich and interactive biotope, creating a friendly environmental culture for the grapevine.

The grape varietals are planted in plots, corresponding to each hill's exposure.

The rows are planted North - South across the hills that extend East - West (the name "Clinet" derives from ancient Gascon language meaning "Steep Hills"; this is very true of this estate).

The soil is very diverse, consisting of:

- One part, sandy clay, forming a light coating over argileous gravels mixed with traces of iron slag deposits (like in Pomerol)

- For the other part, of gravel (this district used to be called Graves de Côtes).

The vineyards planted on the sandy clay have been partly drained and the water directed towards the pond.

Production is limited to 50 HL/Ha, but most often below 48 HL/Ha. This limit is obtained by severe winter pruning and a green harvest during the summer.

The vines are trained in double Guyot, with elimination of counter buds. Grass control follows the "Natural Growing Method" adapted for each plot.


Hand in soil The soil is very diverse, consisting of:

- One part, sandy clay, forming a light coating over argileous gravels mixed with traces of iron slag deposits (like in Pomerol).

- For the other part, of gravel (this district used to be called Graves de Côtes).