Winemaker Notes
This 12 hectare property is situated on a clay-limestone terroir on the right bank of the Dordogne. The average age of the vines is 30 years.
Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A juicy and fruity wine with subtle salt and spice. Medium to full body. Chalky. So delicious.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Les Argileuses emerges from the glass with notes of iris, cassis and flowers intertwined with a lovely reduction. Moderately weighted and nicely juicy, it's round and supple with an enrobing mid-palate framed by velvety, delicate tannins that culminate in a long, penetrating, gourmand finish.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Though the region is larger than many of its Right Bank neighbors, it is one that consistently produces high quality, well-valued red wines. In fact, Cotes de Castillon can almost be considered a geographical eastern extension of St. Emilion, producing similarly-fashioned reds based on Merlot.
Vineyards in the region’s clay, limestone and sandstone soils produce sturdy red wines. On alluvial terraces, in vineyards closer to the Dordogne River, wines tend to be more supple and fruity. In either case, a great Cotes de Castillon red will be bursting with raspberry, plum and blueberry, have an enticing bouquet of dried flowers and a finish that is plush and opulent.