Anseillan
The vintage
The beginning of the winter was mild and dry, and it was only at the end of January that beneficial colder temperatures arrived, accompanied by rain. Bud break started in early April as usual, and the vines developed quickly, thanks to the ample reserves of water and the mild weather. The flowering ensued rather early, in June. It was uniform, which is always a promising sign from the vintage.
The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary helped to reduce the effect of a somewhat hot summer. Water stress was high, but rain in August brought the freshness required for the grapes to change colour and ripen steadily. Conditions were ideal during the harvests, allowing each plot to reach optimal ripeness.
Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.
Terroir
The village of Anseillan lies to the east of Lafite Rothschild, between the Château and the Gironde. This area presents a wide variety of terroirs which are the subject of much thought and research. Cooler and later because of their northern exposure, they are also more clayey than Lafite’s classic terroirs. This diversity is particularly interesting because it offers plots that are suited to all four of our main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit, and Petit Verdot. This terroir and our teams’ work give Anseillan’s wine a unique style and excellent complexity.
Winemaking
Anseillan is made according to the traditional Bordeaux method. Alcoholic fermentation is conducted in wooden, concrete and stainless steel vats. Gentle pumping-over helps to ensure a soft extraction and is carried out according to the specific characteristics of each tank. Total maceration time lasts for about 20 days. After malolactic fermentation, wines are transfered into French oak barrels made by the Tonnelleries des Domaines in Pauillac for a period of 16 months approximately.
Grapes
Tasting
Deep, dark color.
The nose is intense, pleasantly supported by camphor notes relating to the barrel aging.
On the palate, the attack is discrete, then the wine opens up and reveals its amplitude supported by well-structured tannins.
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