Wines Pauillac Jean Fleury - Célian de Charmes - 2019

The 2019 Cuvée Célian de Charmes from Château Jean Fleury is a red wine hailing from the prestigious Pauillac appellation in the Médoc subregion of Bordeaux, France. This blend characteristically brings together the classic Bordeaux varieties, likely dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot, producing a wine with both structure and aromatic complexity. The vines thrive on gravelly soils, providing excellent drainage and reflecting sunlight, which contributes to the ripening of the grapes. The vinification typically involves careful extraction during fermentation to yield robust tannins, followed by ageing in oak barrels, which imparts subtle spice and enhances the wine’s depth and potential for cellaring.

Pauillac itself is one of Bordeaux's most revered terroirs, famed for producing wines of exceptional longevity and finesse. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, which shields the vineyards from frost and tempers the summer heat. The gravelly soils are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, enabling the grape to reach full maturity and yield wines renowned for their power, aromatic intensity, and age-worthiness. Pauillac’s storied history is reflected in its ensemble of legendary châteaux, and even smaller producers benefit from this exceptional terroir.

For food pairings, this Pauillac’s structure and pronounced tannins make it an excellent companion to richly flavoured dishes. Classic matches include roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled rib-eye steak, or beef Wellington. For a regional touch, enjoy it alongside entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in red wine sauce) or duck breast with blackcurrant sauce. Mature hard cheeses like aged Comté or a well-aged cheddar will also harmonise beautifully.

To fully appreciate the aromatic complexity and balance, serve this wine at a temperature between 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour before serving will help the wine open up, revealing its layers of dark fruit, cedar, and subtle spice. Whether enjoyed now or laid down for a few more years, this wine promises a rewarding tasting experience.