domaine du castel petit castel

750ML

2018

Dark ruby color, medium-bodied, with notes of wild berry, spices, herbs and sweet cedar.

The Petit Castel is a blend of 50% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot, all aged for 12 months in French oak (one-third each of new, second and third use barrels). It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This is the first and only time that Syrah has ever appeared in this Bordeaux-blend. Next to the Grand Vin, the key difference here (this being a Merlot rather than Cabernet-dominated blend) is usually approachability and style more than quality. Typically, Grand Vin is better but not always, especially as time goes on. Some vintages may also be more Merlot-friendly.