Grand Bordeaux red wine 75cl
Saint Estèphe
Château Moulin de Blanchon - Domaine Fleuron de Liot
Vintage 2020
A word from Cave de France: Fleuron de Liot is a Saint-Estèphe cuvée produced by Château Moulin de Blanchon, owned by the Négrier family (Henri, Martine, Sylvain and Vincent). The vineyard covers approximately 6 hectares for this appellation, acquired in 2009, and is planted with almost equal parts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a hint of Petit Verdot (≈ 1%). The soil is clay-limestone and gravelly, bordering the Gironde estuary, which provides good exposure and drainage. The vines have a high average age (around 45-50 years), and the planting density is high (≈ 8,000 vines/ha). The wine is vinified using traditional methods, with maceration for about a month, then aged for 12 months in oak barrels, some of which are new barrels.
When tasted, Fleuron de Liot stands out with an intense, deep, often purplish color depending on the vintage. The nose combines ripe black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), sometimes touches of red fruits, spices, and woody/toasted nuances from the aging process. On the palate, it is powerful, full-bodied, structured, with firm but elegant tannins, and a good aging potential. The overall impression is often described as refined and complex, capable of evolving over several years.
As for the producer, Château Moulin de Blanchon is a family estate located in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, very close to Saint-Estèphe, to the north, and surrounded by grand cru vineyards of the Haut-Médoc. Henri Négrier, after starting to help his father, bought his first parcel in 1978. The estate initially sold its wine through the local cooperative, but in 1990 Henri left the cooperative, converted the old stables into a winery, and launched the "Moulin de Blanchon" brand. In 2000, a family structure (EARL) was formed with his wife and two sons. The estate has grown over the years, now covering approximately 30 hectares in Haut-Médoc plus the 6 hectares in Saint-Estèphe, practices respectful viticulture (ploughing of vines, reasoned practices), and has received distinctions such as Cru Bourgeois status for certain vintages.