Château Couhins-Lurton 2020

A wonderfully supple wine from Graves with a fruity aromatic expression

The estate

At the end of the 17th century, Château Couhins-Lurton appeared in history, peacefully traversing the centuries thanks to the good care of the Blanchereau family. In 1959, the estate was recognised for the quality of its white wines, entering the INAO (National Institute of origin and quality) classification of Graves Classified Growths. On the other hand, lower quantities of red wines are produced. When, in 1967, André Lurton caught wind of a vine uprooting project on the château’s soils, he did not hesitate to rent the plots of the estates in question and, in 1992, he succeeded in acquiring the whole estate. He then embarked on the ambitious project of restoring the château’s reputation by putting the spotlight on traditional red grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard

Château Couhins-Lurton covers 21 hectares of vines in Villenave d’Ornon. Deeply rooted in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the estate benefits from an exceptional terroir at the heart of the Graves region and an oceanic climate characterised by its mildness. The 2020 Château Couhins-Lurton comes from 16 hectares of planted red grape varieties rooted on the heights of the commune of Martillac, at an altitude of nearly 45 metres. On these clay-influenced soils, the 25-year-old vines offer Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons that reveal all of their power and complexity. The estate is certified as High Environmental Value (level 3/3).

The vintage

The 2020 vintage stood out through its exceptional climatic conditions, particularly for the Merlot grape variety, which provided suppleness, freshness and outstanding acidity.

The winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests, the winemaking is carried out in different containers: wooden rolls, 500-litre barrels and terracotta amphorae. Long vatting. Finally, the wine ages in 50% new barrels for 12 months.

Blend

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The tasting

The 2020 Château Couhins-Lurton is a lovely, perfectly balanced wine. In its youth, it offers a wonderful aromatic character.