This Château Saint-Roch Saint-Estèphe 2016 is a red Bordeaux blend typical of its renowned appellation. The wine is likely dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and, to a lesser extent, perhaps Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. The 2016 vintage is widely celebrated in Bordeaux, known for balanced ripeness and structure thanks to an ideal growing season. In Saint-Estèphe, gravelly soils over a clay-limestone base yield wines with notable depth and tannic backbone, suited to ageing. Vinification at estates such as Château Saint-Roch entails careful extraction to balance fruit purity with the robust structure characteristic of the Médoc’s northernmost commune.
Saint-Estèphe, part of the prestigious Médoc region on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, is renowned for producing some of the region’s most powerful and long-lived reds. The climate here benefits from the tempering influence of the nearby Gironde estuary, moderating both heat and risk of frost. The soils, a unique interplay of gravel and clay, contribute to the wines’ firmness and ageing potential. The appellation has a distinct identity, often showing a slightly more rustic, earthy profile than its southerly neighbours, a character much prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Pairing this wine is an opportunity to marry robust structure and finesse with equally flavoursome cuisine. Traditional Bordeaux pairings such as roast rack of lamb with herbs or entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak with a rich wine and shallot sauce) allow the wine’s tannins to soften and its cassis and savoury notes to shine. Hearty dishes like slow-cooked duck confit or wild mushroom risotto would equally highlight its generous mouthfeel and underlying freshness. For a touch of local authenticity, consider pairing with Médoc’s own lamb or Saint-Estèphe’s specialty charcuterie.
To enjoy all the elegance and power of Château Saint-Roch Saint-Estèphe 2016, serve it at a temperature of around 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour or two before tasting will help soften the tannins and open up the aromatic profile, revealing layers of dark fruit, graphite, and subtle earthiness typical of this exceptional Bordeaux vintage.
