2016 Château de Millery Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Located in one of the most popular and oldest Bordeaux appellations in the Right Bank, Saint-Émilion has landscapes so beautiful that seem out of a Disney movie, this place is responsible for some of the most prestigious wines in the world like Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Angélus, Figeac and Pavie, and home of Château de Millery. 

Saint-Emilión is a benchmark in quality and quantity wine and is also one of the largest wine-producing regions in Bordeaux with approximately 13 acres of vineyards and production of more than 250,000 hl of wine per harvest. 

The Grand Cru designation produces wines under slightly stricter restrictions than standard Saint-Emilión. The Grand Cru wines must be harvested from vineyards with lower yields, the alcohol level, storage, production, and taste of the wine are all measured in blind tasting competitions. All these practices are done in order to improve the quality. The wines and wineries that achieve Grand Cru status are reviewed every ten years.

Owner Thierry Manoncourtserved the French Army during the World War II (He actually bought the property while he was still serving the army in 1942). He ended up as a prisoner of war in Germany. But he managed to get out and go back to France in 1943 to participate in the harvest! Now, that's commitment. Thierry Manoncourt also owns Grand Cru estate Château Figeac.

The 2016 vintage on the “Right Bank” of Bordeaux was an extraordinary 97pt vintage,resulting in harmonious wines with subtle tannins.

Floral and fruity aromas like black cherry, blackberry fill the nose, hints of chocolate, tobacco, and vanilla that remind us the time in barrel. Long and friendly finish. Pair this wine with veal, lamb, game, and poultry.

Blend: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc. 40-year-old vines.

The 2016 Millery is one of the most rapturously beautiful, seductive wines I tasted during my December trip to Bordeaux. Thierry Manoncourt, the late owner of Figeac, purchased this small property in 1942, when he was in the French Army. The tiny vineyard spans less than one hectare and is planted to 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. For decades, Millery remained more of a small family property, its wine destined for personal consumption, rather than a commercial venture. There are just about 4,000 bottles made each year, and most of it disappears very quickly. A wine of pure and total finesse, Millery is simply exquisite. The dark red fruit, floral, licorice and spice notes show the delineation of a pencil sketch in their fine lines and precision. Figeac Technical Director Frédéric Faye made the 2016 with input from consulting winemaker Thomas Duclos, who has helped Canon, Troplong Mondot and other estates make huge strides in quality in recent years. Most importantly, though, the 2016 is flat out delicious. Run, don't walk. And you heard it here first.... ~96 Antonio Galloni

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