Viniou Reviews
Château Haut-Bruly 2016 is a red Bordeaux from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, sitting within the celebrated Le Libournais subregion. This wine is crafted from the classic grape varieties typical to Saint-Émilion, predominantly Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc and smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 vintage benefited from an excellent growing season, with a wet spring followed by a long, warm, and dry summer, assuring optimal grape ripeness and balance. The terroir here is a harmonious mosaic of limestone, clay, and sand, which imparts an elegant structure and fresh minerality to the wine. Vinification methods for Grand Cru regulations often entail meticulous selection of the grapes, extended maceration, and careful ageing in French oak barrels, contributing to the wine’s complexity, supple tannins, and capacity to age gracefully.
Saint-Émilion, with its UNESCO-listed medieval village, is one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most esteemed winegrowing areas. The region's temperate maritime climate, moderated by proximity to the Dordogne River, favours a slow and steady ripening of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The limestone plateaux and clay hillsides are famed for producing wines with both power and finesse, known for their velvety mouthfeel, rich blackberry and plum fruit, and characteristic notes of earth, spice, and subtle truffle as they mature. The Grand Cru classification sets a higher standard for vineyard and cellar practices, translating into greater depth and refinement in the glass.
This style of Saint-Émilion pairs beautifully with classic French cuisine. Think of a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, beef filet with wild mushroom jus, or duck breast served alongside a red wine reduction. Traditional dishes from the southwest, like confit de canard or cassoulet, also complement the plush fruit and polished tannins. For cheese, opt for aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Château Haut-Bruly 2016 an hour before serving and pour at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will allow the wine’s seductive aromatics and refined structure to reveal their full expression.
