Description
Clos La Madeleine, a jewel-like vineyard of just 2.3 hectares, is located on the south-facing plateau and terraces of Saint-Émilion, nestled in the vineyard of Château Bélair-Monange. The estate was acquired by Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in September 2017. The Magdelaine sector has been home to the leading wines of Saint-Émilion since vines were first planted here in the 6th century. Clos La Madeleine, a privileged enclave in this propitious hillside, exemplifies the elegance and minerality characteristic of these well-exposed limestone parcels. The vineyard of Clos La Madeleine, planted on limestone bedrock covered, in some areas, by just 50 cm of clay, is managed with attentive care throughout the year (ploughing, selective cover-cropping, leaf thinning, green harvesting). A manual harvest followed by two thorough sortings ensure that only those grapes which have achieved optimal maturity are selected. Following the alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and large oak casks, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 16 to 18 months.
Tasting Notes
Purchased by Ets Jean-Pierre Moueix last summer, this is the first vintage of the wine made by the company. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Clos la Madeleine opens with red and black currants on the nose plus touches of garrigue, pencil lead, cloves and chocolate. The mouth is medium-bodied, refreshing and understated with restrained earthy layers and a chewy finish. [88-90 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown– April 2018, robertparker.com]
