2016 Château Ripeau Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé

Haven't heard of Ripeau? That's going to change with consistently high reviews for this small Grand Cru estate. Jeb Dunnuck says, "This estate continues to raise the bar".

The existence of Château Ripeau dates back to the 13^th century.The Grégorie family acquired the property in 2015. It is currently operated by the sons: Cyrille and Nicolas Grégorie and their wives.

The estate is located on the “Right Bank” of Bordeaux, within the appellation Saint-Emilión Grand Cru Classé, and they are neighbors of Cheval Blanc, Figeac, La Dominique, Jean Faure, and the castles of Corbin.

Chateâu Ripeau has a very inspiring family history, the grandfather and the father of the family (who were blacksmiths), began by manufacturing the equipment for the vinification. Little did they know that they would end up becoming one of the best manufacturers of winemaking equipment in the world.

With more than 39 acres of extension and an incredible terroir, sand and gravel soils on the surface and clay in the subsoil.Château Ripeau is a project that respects the environment and the vineyard. They do not use herbicides, insecticides or fungicides.

Claude Gros, in addition to being a business partner and friend of the Grégorie family, is also the winemaker consultant. He has experience around the world, and consults other big projects such as Matarromera in Spain. In addition, he has his own project in Languedoc: Clos des Truffiers.

Dark purple color. Intense fruity and floral aromas such as black cherry, plum, blackberry, violets hints of chocolate, leather, and spices. Excellent balance on the palate, firm and fine tannins, and good length. Best paired with all types of classic meat dishes.

Showing beautifully each of the three times I was able to taste it, the 2016 Château Ripeau reveals a ruby/ purple color as well as a forward, fleshy style in its black fruits, tobacco, earth, and underbrush-scented aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, supple and rounded on the palate, with a charming, satisfying profile, drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years. Owned by the Grégoire family, with the talented and passionate Julien Salles and Claude Gros making the wine, this estate continues to raise the bar, and the best is yet to come. The 2016 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested between October 12th and October 22^nd all aged 18 months in new oak.~94 Jeb Dunnuck

The nose is fruity, elegant and offers a small freshness / power. It reveals notes of blackberry, cassis and small notes of flowers (iris, violet) associated with touches of wild strawberry, red berries, crunchy blueberry as well as hints of liquorice, caramelization, gray pepper and a very discreet toasted hint, spices and racy minerality. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a small acidulous frame, minerality, suavity, a good “guideline” as well as generosity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry and ripe / fleshy raspberry associated with small touches of juicy wild black fruits, juicy redcurrants as well as slight/discreet hints of flowers, caramelization, almond, discreet toasted hints and tonka bean / sweet spices. Tannins are fine, firm and a bit grainy. Good length. Small chew on the finish. There are an imperceptible hint of iris and a discreet hint of tonka bean on the persistence. Good persistence. This wine needs to be put in carafe. ~94 VertdeVin

The 2016 Ripeau exudes darkness, power, and intensity. Succulent black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves all build in the glass. Racy and flamboyant to the core, the 2016 has much to offer, including tremendous early appeal. This is a gorgeous wine in every way. ~93 Antonio Galloni

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***