A fantastic expresion of pure un-oaked Merlot.
Clos de l'Esperance has a rich and round bouquet of ripe red and black fruit (cherry, blackcurrant), as well as a touch of vanilla. The tannins are quite smooth. The freshness and spiciness of the nose come through in the palate. Medium-bodied. Juicy but firm with some chewiness at the end. The wine is altogether beautifully balanced and elegant.
Clos de l'Esperance was the first investment of Jules Monroux at the age of 22. He is a 5th generation of winemaker in the Saint Emilion area. His father Antoine, owns and runs Chateau Franc Bigaroux in the Saint Emilion Grand Cru appellation. Clos de l'Esperance is a little 15 acre vineyard of Merlot, planted on top of the Lussac Saint Emilion appellation, on clay and limestone soils. This is the ideal climate and terroir for producing top-quality Merlot.
Clos de l'Espérance is a small Merlot vineyard of 6 hectares, planted at the top of the Lussac Saint Emilion appellation, on clay-limestone soils. A high density of vines (5,800 per hectare) means that the harvest is spread out over a wide area, allowing the estate's only grape variety, 100% Merlot, to air out and ripen. The work is identical to that carried out at neighbouring Grands Crus: tilling the soil, de-stemming and green harvesting. Everything is done to ensure that these merlots planted in magnificent clay soils that force the vines to look deep down for their "nourishment" and the coolness of the soil during the heat of summer - produce their best.
Ideal with duck or lamb.
