La Raison d'Hetre 2016 (750ML)

16 JR

Exceptional Value from Le Pin’s Jacques Thienpont - the second wine of Chateau L'Hetre

+ One the world’s most-celebrated winemakers
+ Unique terroir situated at Bordeaux’s highest point
+ Organic farming
+ 2016 - an already-legendary vintage
+ Fantastic price
= No-brainer! 

The first release of the second wine of the Thienpont's (Le Pin, L'If) new estate, bought in 2016. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic wine. This second wine is made from fruit from the younger vines and the lower slopes. See L'Hêtre 2016 for more background on the estate.
Deep crimson, still with a touch of purple. A light and attractive dusty note overlaying restrained and pure black fruit. Blind I would have thought this had less Merlot and more of the either Cabernet. There's a hint of wood spice and cigar box but it is mostly the fine dark fruit that entices. Dry, finely chewy tannins, very direct in its dark fruit, with a hint of pencil and just a little bit of heat on the finish even though the body is moderate, not at all heavy. And manages to be fresh even with the slight heat of the alcohol. - JH, JancisRobinson

It is well known that gifted winemaker and original “garagiste” Jacques Thienpont has a knack for sourcing unique and exceptional properties. His latest acquisition reaches beyond the ultra-premium micro-cuvées he is known for with Château Le Pin in Pomerol and Château L’If in Saint Emilion. Château L'Hetre matches exceptional quality with value, and naturally, a unique microclimate within the Castillon appellation. 

At 100 m on the Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe plateau, the property is situated at the highest point in Bordeaux. Produced from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the clay and chalk subsoil is perfectly suited to the organically-farmed vines.

Formerly named Goubau, Thienpont acquired the estate before the 2015 Goubau was vinified. The estate was renamed Château l’Hêtre (Beech tree) with the 2016 vintage, continuing the theme of Thienpont’s properties being named after trees. Here is an exciting opportunity to to experience his first vintage with complete control of the property, a wine that is all but certain to go up in value in vintages to come as demonstrated by Thienpont’s l’If, which has more than tripled in price since the first release in 2012.