Wines Haut-Médoc Château Senejac - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Sénéjac 2020 is a classic representation of the Haut-Médoc appellation, located in the esteemed Médoc subregion of Bordeaux. This red wine is composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, typical of the Left Bank blend. The 2020 vintage was marked by a balanced growing season, offering concentrated fruit and ripe tannins thanks to well-timed sunshine and moderate rainfall. The gravelly and sandy soils of Sénéjac provide excellent drainage, resulting in wines of remarkable structure and finesse. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, lending subtle notes of spice and enhancing its complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.

The Haut-Médoc enjoys a temperate maritime climate influenced by the proximity of the Gironde estuary, which helps to moderate temperature extremes and fosters steady grape ripening. This region, with its rich viticultural heritage dating back to the 16th century, has built a reputation for producing robust yet elegant wines. The gravelly soils are renowned for their ability to impart a mineral edge while supporting the deep roots of venerable vines, contributing to the long-lived style for which Château Sénéjac is known.

For food pairings, Château Sénéjac 2020’s structure and harmony call for dishes with some substance. A classic pairing would be entrecôte bordelaise, featuring grilled rib-eye steak with a red wine and shallot sauce, or a lamb roast with herbs de Provence. The wine’s firm tannins and vivid fruit also complement French cheese such as Comté or aged Cantal, and its finesse allows it to shine alongside mushrooms dishes or game like duck breast with cherry sauce.

To fully appreciate the wine’s bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, cedar and subtle spices, decanting for about an hour is recommended. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the aromas to unfold and the tannins to soften, revealing the depth, balance, and lingering finish that make Château Sénéjac 2020 an inviting wine both now and after a few years of cellaring.