Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Cadet-Bon - 2001

Château Cadet-Bon 2001 hails from the esteemed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, nestled within the Le Libournais subregion of Bordeaux. This red wine, bottled at the classic 75cl format, reflects the traditional winemaking values of the right bank. While the precise grape blend can vary from vintage to vintage and with producers seldom disclosing exact proportions, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines are typically dominated by Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2001 vintage is considered a classic year, offering balanced conditions favouring elegant, age-worthy wines. Château Cadet-Bon likely underwent meticulous care in both vineyard and cellar, with extended maturation in oak barrels allowing the tannins to soften and the wine to develop complex tertiary aromas over more than two decades.

Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's most historic and picturesque regions, its vineyards planted on a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy soils that imbue the wines with both structure and finesse. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate moderated by the nearby Dordogne River, contributing to consistent ripening and balanced fruit expression. Saint-Émilion’s history stretches back to Roman times, and today its Grand Cru designation signals a focus on quality, with stringent production standards.

A mature Saint-Émilion Grand Cru such as this is a superb companion for classic French cuisine. Its evolved structure and notes of truffle, leather, and dried fruits work beautifully with seared duck breast, roast lamb with rosemary, or a traditional beef bourguignon. For a regional experience, pair it with entrecôte à la bordelaise or a selection of aged farmhouse cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

To enjoy Château Cadet-Bon 2001 at its best, decant gently to separate it from any sediment and allow some aeration to bring out its nuanced bouquet. Serve at 16-18°C to fully appreciate the wine’s texture and layered flavour profile. This wine is a testament to both the longevity and elegance that Saint-Émilion Grand Cru can offer.