Château Montlabert - Saint-Émilion 2016

Michel Descazes Montlabert founded this picturesque Château in the 1700's, when its original function was that of a hunting lodge. Château Montlabert, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, lies on the "Route de Libourne" and is surrounded by illustrious neighbors: Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Clos des Jacobins and Figeac. The vineyards are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on 13 hectares over sand with clay, gravel and limestone soils. The Castel family owns the estate, and since 2009 has invested significantly in elevating the status of the château to that of a world-class estate. In 2010, Hubert de Bouard of Château Angélus came on board as their consultant, and working with Ludovic and Maxime Hérault — the château's manager and cellar master — they have improved the precision in the vineyard and the meticulous attention to detail in the cellar. The results have been outstanding.