Chateau Cissac, Cru Bourgeois, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, 2018

According to legend, one that is borne out by the existence of several ancient remains, the magnificent 18th century charterhouse that is the château Cissac of today was built on the remains of a Roman villa. What is in any case certain is that the château is home to a long established family tradition of cultivating the vine. Today the vineyards are managed by Marie Vialard, a direct descendant of Jacques Mondon who bought the estate in 1895, and Louis Vialard, who restored it to its former glory in the middle of the 20th century.

Château Cissac is located right in the heart of the Médoc region. Its exceptional terroir adjoins that of the prestigious Saint-Estèphe and Pauillac appellations, extending over an area of around a hundred hectares. The soil is mainly sandy gravel on top of clay and limestone, and the vineyards occupy a single tract of land which is sheltered by the village of Cissac and the forests which surround it. In keeping with Médoc tradition, the vineyards are mainly planted with their traditional variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety is ideally suited to the type of terroir in Cissac, where its strength and aromas can realise their full potential. Blended with elegant Merlots and spicy Petit Verdots, Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines that are particularly complex and expressive. Maturation in part new oak barrels for 20 months lends notes of vanilla to the rich cassis fruit.

Drink 2022 - 2032

Wine Enthusiast: 93 / 100

James Suckling: 91 / 100