2016 Château Roc de Candale, Saint-Émilion “750ML”

2016 Château Roc de Candale, Saint-Émilion “750ML”

2016 Château Roc de Candale, Saint-Émilion “750ML” A classic château property, the charming Château Roc de Candale is located east of Saint-Emilion’s celebrated limestone plateau in one of the region’s most desirable districts. The recently modernized estate shares its premium terroir with nearby Château Tertre Roteboeuf and La Mondotte; note these wines sell for well over $100 per bottle!

Château Roc de Candale probably owes its origins to Marguerite de Suffolk Kendall, a descendent of Edward III, King of England, and Duke of Aquitaine. When she married Count Jean of Foix, he added the Count of Candale name to his other titles. At their table, the Count and Countess of Foix-Candale would serve wines from their lands in Saint-Emilion, already widely renowned at the time thanks to the strict quality rules set down by the Jurade of Saint-Emilion.

Jean-Louis Vicard, President of the well-known Vicard Cooperage, purchased Château Roc de Candale in 2016 and this is the first vintage since significant upgrades were made here. Stéphane Derenoncourt is the winemaker. Derenoncourt is one of France’s premier wine consultants and his specific expertise is in the Right Bank. He clients include Domaine de Chevalier, Clos Fourtet, Clos de l’Oratoire, Chateau Pavie-Macquin, Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Smith Haut Lafitte, Brown, as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s Rubicon Estate in Napa.

2016 is regarded as one of the finest vintages ever in Bordeaux. Savvy readers know to buy deep and cellar wines from exceptional vintages. This is one of the few remaining wines we’ve uncovered and is only available as a result of restaurant closures in 2020.

Tasting Notes: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. The château is using state of the art wooden upright tanks. The wine is aged 12 to 18 months in new French oak barrels. Only 1,200 cases produced. 14 % Alcohol. Deep purple color, lush aromas of cherry and vanillin oak. Good tannic structure and a long, well-balanced finish. The prime drinking window is now through 2026.