La Chapelle de Meyney 2015, the second wine of Château Meyney in Saint-Estèphe, is a classic Bordeaux blend. Predominantly Merlot, balanced by Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot, this cuvée expresses the character of its prestigious estate. The 2015 vintage stands out for its excellent ripeness, due to a warm, dry summer followed by beneficial late September rains. Grapes are sourced from the château’s gravel and clay soils, delivering both power and finesse. Traditional vinification, involving fermentation in stainless steel followed by ageing in French oak barrels, brings structure while allowing the fruit and terroir to shine.
The Saint-Estèphe appellation, situated in the northern Médoc, benefits from its proximity to the Gironde estuary which moderates temperatures and protects the vines from frost. The soils here are renowned for their deep gravels overlying clay, giving the wines robust structure and ageing potential. This region has a long history, producing wines known for their deep colour, firm tannins and earthy complexity, yet in warmer vintages like 2015, there is a pronounced generosity of ripe black fruits.
La Chapelle de Meyney 2015 pairs beautifully with robust dishes typical of southwest France. Consider roasted lamb with herbs, entrecôte à la bordelaise, classic cassoulet, or duck confit. The wine’s ample structure and refined tannins also complement hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty. For a more adventurous pairing, venison or game birds such as pheasant highlight the wine’s earthy nuances.
To enjoy La Chapelle de Meyney 2015 at its best, decant for an hour to help the bouquet open up and soften the tannins. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This wine is already approachable, but will continue to develop further complexity with a few more years in the cellar.
