Viniou Reviews
Le Cellier des Dieux 2019 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a distinguished red wine hailing from one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed appellations. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a temperate growing season, yielding ripe, concentrated fruit. While the exact blend isn't specified, typical Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines are Merlot-dominated, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and occasionally Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties thrive on the region’s limestone and clay soils, which impart both elegance and structure to the wine. The Grand Cru classification denotes strict production criteria and higher standards, resulting in a wine marked by complexity, depth, and excellent ageing potential. Vinification methods here prioritise careful extraction and maturation, often in French oak barrels, giving finesse and subtle spice to the finished wine.
Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux's Right Bank, enjoys an outstanding viticultural reputation, owed in part to its unique terroir. The region's soils range from ancient limestone to alluvial sands and gravels, providing a rich tapestry of microclimates ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This diversity contributes to the rich, velvety texture and notes of dark fruits, plum, and subtle earthy undertones characteristic of the area’s wines. The climate is oceanic with continental influences, promoting slow, even ripening and enhancing aromatic complexity. With a history dating back to Roman times and a UNESCO designation, Saint-Émilion is a region synonymous with tradition and excellence.
The plush, supple profile of this Grand Cru makes it a superb partner for dishes such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs, duck breast in a red wine reduction, or classic beef Wellington. To evoke local Bordeaux flavours, try confit de canard or entrecôte à la bordelaise. Mature cheeses like Comté or Saint-Nectaire also make excellent accompaniments, highlighting the wine's smooth tannins and savoury depth.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Le Cellier des Dieux 2019 at 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour before tasting will help open up the aromatics, revealing layers of fruit, spice, and earthy nuance. This wine is enjoyable now but also promises to reward further cellaring over the next 8 to 12 years.
