Château de Sales Château de Sales

Pomerol, France

Vintage:2016 (Past)

2013 (Past) | 2014 (Past) | 2015 (Past) | 2017 (Current) | 2018 (Current) | 2019 (Current) | 2020 (Current)

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Château de Sales  Château de Sales  2016
  • WE 93
  • WS 89

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast

93 Points

August 1, 2020, Roger Voss

“At this stage, this wine is all about the tannins that dominate the black fruits. But fruit weight is there, promising good things as the wine matures. Smoky wood and blackberry flavors are set against a solid structure. There is potential here, so let the wine soften and mature. Drink from 2024.”

Wine Spectator

89 Points

December 31, 2018, James Molesworth

“A light waft of dried herb peeks out from the gentle, rounded core of plum and cherry preserve flavors. Subtle tea and cedar notes cling to the finish, which lingers prettily. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2021.”

Overview

Built in the 17th century, Château de Sales is largest estate in the Pomerol appellation on the Right Bank. The château possesses exceptional beauty and elegance, and the same is true for its wines as they are the true expression of the Pomerol terroir from which they orginate. Located in the northwest corner of Pomerol, it is the only true château building in the appellation and has been owned by the same family for more than five hundred years.

The soils of Château de Sales are comprised of fine gravel and sand, with clay in some areas and an omnipresence of iron oxide, known locally as "crasse de fer". The vineyard of Château de Sales has a surface area of over 200 acres, with vines covering 116 acres. The vines are an average of more than 30 years old.

Winemaking

After de-stemming and crushing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in concrete tanks equipped with temperature regulation. The wine is then aged for 12-18 months in French oak barrels, of which only one third are new, in order to avoid any aggressive wood flavors and to preserve the brightness of the fruit.

Tasting Notes

A deep garnet red, the wine has a refined nose with elegant light oak and aromas of ripe fruit, especially blackcurrant. Complex on the palate, with black fruit, blackberry and spice flavors, it has silky tannins, good body and lovely balance, ending on a long and harmonious finish of great refinement. 

Harvest Notes

The 2016 climatic year was composed of two distinct parts. First, a cool and wet spring with record rainfall (259 mm from April to June, compared to 108 mm during the same period in 2015). A short break from the rain in May allowed for a quick and even flowering. The weather shifted in mid-June, giving way to clear skies and warm temperatures through mid-september. The warm, dry weather that set in over the summer resulted in drought conditions. The vegetative cycle slowed over the summer months, but rain in midseptember allowed the grapes to reach full maturity.

Technical Information

Varietals: 81.5% Merlot, 7.5% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

Aging: 12-18 months in French oak barrels (1/3 new)