Castel Vieilh La Salle Bordeaux Rouge NV
Location: France, Bordeaux
Winemaker: Jean-Marie & Mikhaël Jaumain
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Deep in the Bordeaux wilderness of Entre-Deux-Mers lies the tiny estate of Castel Vieilh la Salle, a mere 5-ish hectares nestled far away from the sweeping, cathedral-like estates so common in Bordeaux. Mikhael began Castel Vieilh la Salle in the 1960s, and has worked the estate entirely organic from the beginning (he also began biodynamic treatments in 2003 and is a strong supporter of Rudolf Steiner). Bordeaux authorities refused to let his wines be classified as ‘Bordeaux’ on the label. Like many wines that are dear to our hearts at M&L, these are deemed ‘too’ natural, ‘too’ esoteric, for the typicity that’s often sought after for this region—but that are expressive in a way that is both pure and authentic while defying conventional traditions.
This wine is simply labeled ‘Vin de France’, and is a version of Bordeaux so rarely experienced—generously spiced and rich but fresh and rippling with nervy energy. Untamed and ravishing while maintaining bruised-black-and-purple-fruited balance. No filtering, no fining, no added sulfites. Discovering this wine is like stumbling into a secret garden, a hidden gem you’ll kick yourself for not discovering sooner. Drink one this summer with anything grilled (roasted red pepper romesco?) and/or put one away for the winter to drink fireside.
Location: France, Bordeaux
Winemaker: Jean-Marie & Mikhaël Jaumain
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Deep in the Bordeaux wilderness of Entre-Deux-Mers lies the tiny estate of Castel Vieilh la Salle, a mere 5-ish hectares nestled far away from the sweeping, cathedral-like estates so common in Bordeaux. Mikhael began Castel Vieilh la Salle in the 1960s, and has worked the estate entirely organic from the beginning (he also began biodynamic treatments in 2003 and is a strong supporter of Rudolf Steiner). Bordeaux authorities refused to let his wines be classified as ‘Bordeaux’ on the label. Like many wines that are dear to our hearts at M&L, these are deemed ‘too’ natural, ‘too’ esoteric, for the typicity that’s often sought after for this region—but that are expressive in a way that is both pure and authentic while defying conventional traditions.
This wine is simply labeled ‘Vin de France’, and is a version of Bordeaux so rarely experienced—generously spiced and rich but fresh and rippling with nervy energy. Untamed and ravishing while maintaining bruised-black-and-purple-fruited balance. No filtering, no fining, no added sulfites. Discovering this wine is like stumbling into a secret garden, a hidden gem you’ll kick yourself for not discovering sooner. Drink one this summer with anything grilled (roasted red pepper romesco?) and/or put one away for the winter to drink fireside.
Location: France, Bordeaux
Winemaker: Jean-Marie & Mikhaël Jaumain
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Deep in the Bordeaux wilderness of Entre-Deux-Mers lies the tiny estate of Castel Vieilh la Salle, a mere 5-ish hectares nestled far away from the sweeping, cathedral-like estates so common in Bordeaux. Mikhael began Castel Vieilh la Salle in the 1960s, and has worked the estate entirely organic from the beginning (he also began biodynamic treatments in 2003 and is a strong supporter of Rudolf Steiner). Bordeaux authorities refused to let his wines be classified as ‘Bordeaux’ on the label. Like many wines that are dear to our hearts at M&L, these are deemed ‘too’ natural, ‘too’ esoteric, for the typicity that’s often sought after for this region—but that are expressive in a way that is both pure and authentic while defying conventional traditions.
This wine is simply labeled ‘Vin de France’, and is a version of Bordeaux so rarely experienced—generously spiced and rich but fresh and rippling with nervy energy. Untamed and ravishing while maintaining bruised-black-and-purple-fruited balance. No filtering, no fining, no added sulfites. Discovering this wine is like stumbling into a secret garden, a hidden gem you’ll kick yourself for not discovering sooner. Drink one this summer with anything grilled (roasted red pepper romesco?) and/or put one away for the winter to drink fireside.