Château Le Crock Saint-Estèphe 2011, 1.5 Liter, Bordeaux, France

The Cuvelier family was already well known in Bordeaux as négociants, the Maison de Négoce de Vins Henri Cuvelier having been established in Haubourdin in 1804. It was not until the early 20th century, however, that Paul and Albert Cuvelier, Henri’s descendants, began to acquire vineyards in the region. They began in 1903 with Château Le Crock, 32 acres landlocked between Château Cos d’Estournel and Montrose. The area covers 32.5 hectares of vineyards planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar allows the character of the Saint-Estèphe terroir to be revealed. Receipt of the harvest is done in 14 stainless steel tanks and 8 concrete thermoregulated tanks. 3-4 weeks of maceration to extract color and tannins of the grape skins. Aged in French oak barrels for 12-18 months. 2011 blend – 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot. Round and ample with a nice structure. Easy at first, with seductive lushness.