Château L'Hêtre ' Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2020 '

Château L'Hêtre is the Castillon project of the famous Thienpont family, owners of Le Pin in Pomerol and L'If in Saint-Emilion. Jacques Thienpont purchased the estate in 2015 and gave it its current name, continuing the tree theme of his other wines: Le Pin (pine), L'If (yew), and now L'Hêtre (beech). The 10-hectare estate, organically certified, is located at the tip of the limestone plateau of Saint-Philippe d'Aiguilhe — the highest point in all of Bordeaux, at 100 meters above sea level. Nephews Maxime and later Antoine Mariau oversee the winemaking. The wine is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Description: Dark garnet red with aromas of ripe plum, blackberries, smoke, spices, and a subtle chalky minerality. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, with ripe tannins, a fresh structure, and a long, juicy finish.

Pairs well with: Grilled entrecôte, lamb loin, game dishes, or a rich cheese board.

Fun fact: L'Hêtre means 'beech' in French, but also sounds like the verb 'être' (to be). The second wine is therefore called 'La Raison d'Hêtre' — a play on 'la raison d'être': the reason for being.