Wines Saint-Émilion Château La Fleur - Château la Fleur - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château La Fleur 2020 from Saint-Émilion is a classic example of a Bordeaux red, showcasing the renowned expertise of the region. This cuvée is typically a blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon. These grape varieties bring together a harmonious combination of rich, plummy fruit, subtle spice, and supple yet structured tannins. The 2020 vintage benefited from ideal weather conditions, resulting in excellent concentration and balance. Vinified traditionally, the wine likely underwent ageing in French oak, lending it delicate notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spices, alongside its characteristic ripe, dark fruit and violet aromatics.

Saint-Émilion lies on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, an area celebrated for its rolling hills and patchwork of clay and limestone soils, which are particularly well-suited to Merlot. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, with enough warmth and rainfall to support optimum grape ripening, yet sufficient drainage to avoid excess water retention. Saint-Émilion boasts a long and prestigious winemaking heritage, its history dating back to Roman times, and today its medieval town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wines are celebrated for their approachability in youth, yet possess the structure to age gracefully.

For food pairings, Château La Fleur 2020 is a fine match for classic French dishes such as roast lamb with garlic and thyme, duck breast with a red berry sauce, or beef Wellington. The wine’s vibrant fruit and refined tannins also make it ideal with dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, or lentils, as well as regional favourites like entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard. Mature cheeses, particularly hard varieties like Comté or aged Saint-Nectaire, are excellent companions.

For serving, decant the wine for about an hour to allow its bouquet to open fully, and serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to highlight its aromatic complexity and supple palate. This will allow you to appreciate both its youthful energy and its elegant structure.