L'Hetre 2016 (750ML)

17+ JR / 91.6 CT

Exceptional Value from Le Pin’s Jacques Thienpont

+ 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 from the new property bought by Jacques Thienpont and his sister in 2016. It is perched on the end of the limestone plateau and has stunning views. Previously owned by and named after a Belgian family called Goubau. The 10 hectares of organically farmed vines are surrounded by woods and pastures. At 100 m on the St-Philippe d'Aiguilhe plateau, the highest point in Bordeaux. In 2017 they bought the adjoining property, Ch Montagne, with 25 ha, of which 6 ha are planted. Nephew Maxime Thienpont is the winemaker. The vineyards face south-east and are on the limestone plateau or on limestone, clay and chalk slopes. 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc fermented in concrete and oak vats and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, including one-third new.

Very dark crimson, almost black at the core but bright at the rim. This smells richer, sweeter and more intense than the second wine La Raison d'Hêtre. Rich in blackcurrant fruit with a savoury dark glow to make it more than just fruit. Just a touch of smoky char even though the oak is well in the background, a seductive fruit sweetness. On the palate, this is beautifully balanced, the alcohol perfectly integrated in the tannic structure and fruit core with a fresh tang that runs through the middle. There's a cool fluidity to it even with its depth and length. Fine, dry, lingering and savoury aftertaste. Impressive first vintage with a promising future in the bottle. I opened this on a Sunday evening and it was still tasting fresh and vibrant four days later. This is a very classy wine, and the tannins tell you everything: fine, definite, building in the mouth but in perfect balance with the fruit and freshness. Blue-blooded Castillon. Catch it while you can." Julia Harding, Jancis Robinson .com

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. 

 "L'Hêtre 2016 is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and was aged for 15 months in oak barrels. It has a dark purple colour; fresh and sweet on the nose with a good expression of autumn fruits; on the attack the wine is firm and rich with good, ripe tannins and a round, silky structure; on the palate the wine is fresh and spicy." - Winery