M de Moulin Riche Saint-Julien 2018, Bordeaux, France

The history of Chateau Moulin Riche in the modern era has its beginnings in 1920 when the estate was purchased by the Cuvelier family. By 1920, the Cuvelier family were already well-established in Bordeaux as chateau owners and negociants. Moulin Riche was thought of as the unofficial second wine of Chateau Leoville Poyferre. That changed with the already, legendary 2009 vintage. In that year, it was decided that Moulin Riche would be produced from its own specific vineyard parcels. Today, the second wine of Chateau Leoville Poyferre is Pavillon de Leoville Poyferre. The Moulin Riche logo continues to look quite similar to Leoville Poyferre. This is by design. The similarity to their other wines helps customers identify with the Cuvelier family wines. Since the sublime 2009 vintage, Chateau Moulin Riche has continued to gain popularity as its own brand and distinctive wine. Starting with the 2018 vintage, Moulin Riche introduced a second wine, M de Moulin Riche, which is where they place most of their Petit Verdot. In fact, the debut vintage is almost 70% Petit Verdot! The 2018 vintage was released in a particularly important year for the Cuvelier family. As it bookmarks not only 100 years as proprietors of 2d Grand Cru Classé Château Léoville Poyferré, but also that of Château Moulin Riche. Intimately linked since the 19th century, these two chateaux present distinctive styles produced from different terroirs of the appellation, displaying the richness and diversity of Saint-Julien. Faithful to the family’s identity, the wines of both properties are the fruits of their heartfelt and rigorous labor, a timeless style reaffirmed by these modern new labels. Blend: 69% Petit Verdot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot. Soils: Garonne gravel on sand and clay.