Vieux Château Saint André 2014

Winery Background and History

Vieux Château Saint André is situated in the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation, a satellite of the renowned Saint-Émilion region in Bordeaux, France. In 1978, Jean-Claude Berrouet, the esteemed winemaker known for his tenure at Château Pétrus, acquired 11 hectares in this area. His extensive experience and commitment to traditional winemaking have been instrumental in producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Montagne-Saint-Émilion. The estate’s vineyards are characterized by cool clay over limestone soils, which contribute to the vibrancy and refinement of their wines. 

Producer and Winemaker

Jean-Claude Berrouet, renowned for his 43 vintages at Château Pétrus, owns Vieux Château Saint André. His son, Jean-François “Jeff” Berrouet, currently manages the estate, upholding the family’s dedication to producing wines that embody elegance and balance. The Berrouets’ philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the wine to express the characteristics of its terroir authentically. 

Vineyards and Microclimate

The estate’s vineyards are planted on cool clay over limestone soils, which are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This soil composition allows for later ripening, contributing to the wine’s depth and refinement. The Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation benefits from a temperate climate with sufficient rainfall, providing favorable conditions for grape growing. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• Merlot: 87%

• Cabernet Franc: 13%

Vinification & Aging Methods

The winemaking approach at Vieux Château Saint André is traditional and responsive to each vintage’s characteristics. Techniques such as malolactic fermentation in barrels and the number of rackings vary depending on the year’s conditions. Approximately 15% of the wine is aged in new oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity without overshadowing the fruit’s purity. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Specific information on the ABV for the 2014 vintage is not available in the provided sources.

Tasting Notes

The 2014 Vieux Château Saint André exhibits an intense nose with aromas of cassis, spice, and a touch of leather. On the palate, it offers flavors mirroring the nose, supported by moderate, non-astringent tannins and a moderate finish. This young wine shows promise for further development with additional aging. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine’s refined structure and flavor profile make it a versatile companion to various dishes. It pairs well with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, and complements earthy flavors found in mushroom-based dishes. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure also make it suitable for pairing with aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service Methods and Temperatures

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature between 16-18°C (60-64°F). Decanting for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help in aeration, allowing the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully express themselves. Using Bordeaux-style wine glasses will concentrate the bouquet and guide the wine to the appropriate areas of the palate, enhancing the tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2014 vintage of Vieux Château Saint André is approachable now but has the potential to develop further complexity with additional aging. When stored in optimal conditions—a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures—the wine can evolve gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years, offering a more integrated and nuanced profile.