La Voilette du Manoir, Castillon Côtes De Bordeaux, Nicolas Thienpont, Bordeaux 2019

Château Charmes Godard, Nicolas Thienpont, Bordeaux

Bought by the Thienpont family in 1988, and managed by Nicolas Thienpont, quality has been on the rise at this 6-hectare estate in Francs Côtes de Bordeaux ever since. The Thienpont family originated in Flanders and have been relative latecomers to the Bordeaux scene, but have made up for lost time by buying or controlling several excellent properties besides Les Charmes Godard, including Vieux Château Certan, Le Pin, Château Pavie Macquin, Château Larcis Ducasse and Château Bellevue. This experience has been brought to bear on Les Charmes-Godard and new massale selection plantings will increase production in the future.

La Violette du Manoir comes from a single 4-hectare vineyard parcel of Château Manoir du Gravoux in Castillon–Côtes de Bordeaux. The vineyard is situated on a clay-limestone plateau, a terroir renowned for producing wines of depth, freshness and finesse. Planted in 1958 on shallow, well-exposed soils, the site benefits from an excellent geographical position for high-quality viticulture. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (92%), complemented by 8% Cabernet Franc. The limestone-rich soils contribute notable freshness and a distinctive saline character to the wine's finish.

Following harvest, the wine is matured for 12 months in oak barrels. This period of ageing enhances the wine's texture and complexity while preserving the purity of fruit from the old-vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result is a refined and harmonious Bordeaux with layered dark fruit flavours, subtle spice and a long, mineral finish.

Deep and expressive, with ripe Merlot fruit, plum and black cherry characters layered with subtle spice. The clay-limestone terroir gives freshness and balance, while the limestone soils contribute a distinctive saline note on the finish. Lovely aromas of strawberry soup mixed with hints of mint. Precise mouthfeel, powdery tannins. Curved and dynamic second half.

Grapes: 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc