Today we march on to southern France to share a hidden gem in the Corbiers region. One of the historic sites in the region, Château St. Louis was founded by Martine and Philippe Pasquier-Meunier nearly 30 years ago. Located on the plateau of Boutenac in Corbieres, with 120 hectares of vineyards dating back to the Roman era. Vines are planted in a high density style with little spacing between rows. Château de Saint Louis is set on gravelly soils attract the roots of the old vine plantings of Carignan and Grenache, allowing them to draw minerals and moisture from deep within the earth. This is wonderfully stony terroir that you can really feel in each wine. The low and stony hills are surrounded by pine trees and planted facing south to maximize sun exposure.
The grapes are harvested, de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel vats for 6 to 9 days. Malolactic fermentation after racking. Each variety is vinified separately before final assemblage.These are wines that totally over-deliver for the price. I love the 2017 Château Saint Louis ‘A Capella’ Corbieres (WWB, 91) which was sinfully good for the price with its core of dark fruits and great terroir. Even better is the generous 2016 Château Saint Louis ‘Boutenac’ Corbieres (WWB, 92) which has wonderful depth and concentration with a great stony edge. Here are my reviews of this beautiful Corbieres estate.
2019 Château de Saint Louis ‘Prestige’ Corbieres Blanc- The ‘Prestige’ Corbieres Blanc is a blend of 70% Bourboulenc with the remainder Marsanne. The freshness is outstanding with gooseberry and pear tones with a soft texture that entices from the Marsanne. With good length and mouthfeel, this is an awesome new wine that has at least another five to seven years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2018 Château de Saint Louis ‘Prestige’ Corbieres- The ‘Prestige’ is forward and juicy with dark currants and smoky tones that mingle with minerals and a touch of white pepper on the palate. Medium-bodied and showing good terroir and fruits, this classy effort is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2017 Château de Saint Louis ‘A Capella’ Corbieres- The 2017 ‘A Capella’ is a blend of 60% Syrah with the remainder Carignan. Rich, with its creme de cassis, stony minerals and smoked pork shoulder tones, this is utterly fantastic to enjoy now but has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2016 Chateau de Saint Louis ‘Boutenac’ Corbieres- I love the 2016 ‘Boutenac’ by Corbieres. Rich, wpndefully stony and full of life, the ‘Boutenac’ has a silky mouthfeel and wonderful complexity and length. Full-bodied and gorgeous in its youth, this outstanding new bottling will cellar well for a decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92