2015 Chateau Milens
2015 Chateau Milens, Red wine from Saint-Émilion Grand Cru,France
Deep crimson, aromas of blackberries and anise, good balance of tannins, fleshy, strong fruitiness.
Made predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Saint-Émilion wines tend to have a rich, mouth-drying tannic structure, which is balanced by the more juicy characteristics of plum and black cherry fruit, along with chocolate and sweet spice, developing savory tobacco and cedar characteristics with age.
The best Saint-Émilion wines will exhibit a terrific mineral vein, the result of vines being planted on the region’s limestone escarpment. Vines planted on sandy soils tend to produce grapes that make lighter styled wines.
Situated on the right bank of Bordeaux, the region of Saint-Émilion,France can boast of producing the most diverse range of styles, partly due to differences in soil types, from gravel to limestone to sand, but also thanks to production variations and winemakers looking to make their mark.
A great wine lover, Albert Bogé started off as manager of a négociant company. He became interested in the production side of things in 1998 and so bought Château Milens in Saint-Emilion. In 2006, Alberto Bogé partnered with two friends: Valérie and Ludovic Martin. Two years later, Grégory Balestre arrived, bringing his viticultural know-how and expertise in vinifications. The domain’s style is characterised by its nice balance and delicate richness.
The aim of Valérie Martin, the winemaker, is to make “very drinkable wines” from the 6 hectare estate she runs in Saint-Emilion. As a result of a careful and precise winemaking, this is a powerful and elegant wine, with black fruit and tabacco notes.
Everything is done here to capture the wines elegance and finesse. Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines are cultivated on a sand, limestone and clay rich soil. After being hand picked and meticulously sorted, the grapes are vinified on a plot by plot basis in small thermoregulated stainless steel and concrete vats.