Château Pedesclaux 5ème Cru Pauillac 2016

Description

One of Pauillac’s less well-known estates, Ch. Pédesclaux is well situated in front of Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet. The property’s history dates back to the early 19th century when Urbain Pédesclaux – a renowned trader on the Bordeaux marketplace – acquired some vineyards put up for sale following the Revolution and established the estate in 1810. Symbolising the bourgeoisie’s arrival in the Médoc (previously under aristocratic rule), Urbain Pierre Pédesclaux set about building the estate’s reputation. When the wines of the region were classified in 1855, Ch. Pédesclaux was granted the title of Fifth Growth.

The estate was acquired by Françoise and Jacky Lorenzetti in 2009. Over the next few years they purchased new parcels, almost doubling the property’s footprint from 26 to 50 hectares. The vineyards underwent significant work with soil studies and replanting, and in 2014, Ch. Pédesclaux opened a new chapter, its vineyards fully restructured and an impressive new gravity-fed winery and cellaring facilities.

An estate that’s unquestionably on the upswing, the 2016 Château Pédesclaux is made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. In the past, the wines from this estate have been slightly chunky, but that started to change around 2014, and I think this 2016 is the best yet. Beautiful blue fruits, violets, spicy oak, and a touch of minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied Pauillac, which has fine, polished tannins, a seamless texture, and a great finish. With purity and finesse as well as richness and depth, it’s already reasonably approachable today, but it’s going to evolve for three decades or more. Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Pedesclaux is composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It aged for 18 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed red and black currants and blackberries with cigar box, new leather, pencil lead and crushed rocks. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and lively with loads of mineral nuances and a lovely earthy finish. Around 15,000 cases produce. 93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate