Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Haut-Bailly - Château Le Pape - 2017

Château Le Pape 2017, from the esteemed Pessac-Léognan appellation in Graves, Bordeaux, represents the classic elegance of left bank red wines. This cuvée, produced under the guidance of Château Haut-Bailly, is composed predominantly of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the typical blend for the region. The 2017 vintage saw challenging weather, marked by spring frosts, but quality-conscious estates like Le Pape managed to craft wines that are refined, with subtle concentration and fresh fruit profile. After careful hand-harvesting, vinification takes place in stainless steel and concrete vats to preserve the purity of fruit, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, adding structure and delicacy to the final wine.

Pessac-Léognan, in the southern part of Graves, is distinguished by its deep gravel soils interspersed with sand and clay, which impart a unique elegance and minerality to the wines. Benefiting from the temperate maritime climate of Bordeaux, with moderate rainfall and good sunshine, the region is renowned for both its reds and whites. Pessac-Léognan holds a distinct place in Bordeaux’s history—as cradle of the region’s earliest wine estates and home to some of the most innovative winemaking traditions.

For food pairing, this refined red will shine beside classic French dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast with cherries, or a Bordelaise ribeye steak. The wine’s supple tannins and fresh acidity also complement mushroom risotto or earthy lentil stews. For a more local touch, try it with entrecôte à la Bordelaise or roast poultry with a truffle jus, both reflecting the richness of the regional cuisine.

To fully appreciate the aromatic finesse and supple structure of Château Le Pape 2017, it is best served at 16-18°C. Allow the wine to breathe in a decanter for about an hour before tasting, which will help reveal layers of red fruit, gentle spice, and subtle oak. This is a refined Bordeaux, approachable in its youth, but will also reward a few years of cellaring.