Château Le Crock 2022

The elegance and character of an Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel

The estate

Located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation and built in the early 19th century, Château Le Crock was acquired in 1804 by the Cuvelier family, who also owned Châteaux Léoville Poyferré and Moulin Riche. Since 2018, Sara Lecompte Cuvelier has been at the helm of this estate on Bordeaux's Left Bank, recognised for the quality of its wines as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Supérieur in 1932 and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2020.

The vineyard

This Saint-Estèphe wine comes from a 32-hectare vineyard spread across three distinct areas. Composed of gravel, sand on the surface and clay on the subsoil, the terroir of this property near the Gironde is unique in its ability to retain heat, drain the soil and provide a natural water reserve. The vines are on average 49 years old.

The vintage

An early 2022 vintage marked by very hot weather. Water stress and optimum flowering in the second half of May. Thunderstorms, particularly on 20 June, and the drought that persisted throughout the summer significantly reduced yields. Nevertheless, the vineyards were able to adapt and produce a harvest of excellent quality.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvested by hand in small crates, the bunches are sorted by hand on the vine and then on the bunch. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out using selected yeasts. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new barrels. Aged for 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels (30% new).

Blend

Château Le Crock 2022 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (5%).