Wines Pauillac Château Pédesclaux - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Pédesclaux 2020 is a prime example of modern Pauillac, bearing the hallmarks of this prestigious Bordeaux appellation. Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and often a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this Grand Cru Classé wine showcases a deep, inky colour and pronounced aromatic intensity. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm and mostly dry growing season, resulting in grapes of excellent ripeness and concentration. Vinification focuses on gentle extraction and careful barrel ageing, which brings an elegant structure, finely grained tannins, and well-integrated oak. On the nose, you will find classic Pauillac notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, and graphite, complemented by nuances of violet and subtle spice.

Pauillac itself sits within the Médoc, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, and is celebrated for its gravelly soils atop clay and limestone. These well-drained conditions are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, facilitating deep root systems and grapes with significant structure and ageing potential. Pauillac’s proximity to the Gironde estuary regulates temperature extremes and provides the vines with vital humidity, creating a unique microclimate that has helped the appellation acquire legendary status over centuries of winemaking history.

The firm yet refined tannic profile of Château Pédesclaux 2020 calls for classic food pairings. A roast rib of beef, lamb shoulder with herbs, or duck breast will highlight the wine’s body and finesse. For a regional match, consider Pauillac lamb, a local specialty renowned for its succulence. Earthy side dishes like wild mushroom risotto or truffled potatoes can also complement the wine’s complex bouquet. For mature cheeses, opt for aged Comté or a firm Cantal.

To best appreciate Château Pédesclaux 2020, serve at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for at least an hour to allow the aromas to unfurl and the tannins to soften. This wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful vigour or cellared for a decade or more to let its full elegance emerge.