Chteau L'Escadre, Major 2018

1ères Côtes de Blaye Major 2017 from Vignobles Carreau is a classic right-bank Bordeaux that overdelivers on character and charm. Crafted from Merlot with a supporting touch of Cabernet, it offers a supple, fruit-driven profile framed by subtle oak. Coming from the lesser-known but increasingly sought-after Blaye area, this wine brings you authentic Bordeaux pedigree at a very attractive price point. Its key appeal lies in the balance between soft, approachable texture and the structure you’d expect from a traditional Bordeaux blend. The dominance of Merlot gives plush fruit and roundness, while Cabernet contributes backbone and finesse, in a style reminiscent of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion further to the east. Rooted in an estate that has been in the Carreau family since 1832, this cuvée reflects seven generations of experience on the right bank of the Gironde, facing the legendary vineyards of Pauillac across the river.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, 1ères Côtes de Blaye Major 2017 shows a deep ruby-red color with garnet reflections beginning to appear at the rim, a sign of its evolution in bottle. The hue remains vibrant and clear, suggesting both good concentration and careful cellaring. On the nose, expect inviting aromas of ripe red and black fruits—think plum, black cherry, and cassis—wrapped in notes of dried herbs, cedar, and a gentle hint of sweet spice from oak. With aeration, subtler nuances of tobacco leaf, graphite, and a touch of vanilla emerge, giving the bouquet a distinctly Bordeaux personality. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins that carry flavours of juicy plum, blackcurrant, and red berries. The Merlot brings roundness and charm, while the Cabernet adds structure, freshness, and a lightly savory edge. A discreet note of toasted oak and mocha lingers in the background, providing depth without overpowering the fruit. The finish is smooth and moderately long, balanced by a refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively. Now several years from harvest, the 2017 vintage is drinking very well, with its tannins nicely integrated and the fruit still vibrant. It has the structure to evolve a bit further over the next 3–5 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, and dried fruit, but there is no need to wait—this is already in a very enjoyable drinking window.

Production
Vignobles Carreau’s vineyards lie in Cars, on the right bank of the Gironde estuary in the 1ères Côtes de Blaye area, directly opposite the famed Médoc communes such as Pauillac. Here, the vines benefit from well-drained clay-limestone and gravelly soils, along with a temperate maritime climate moderated by the estuary, which helps achieve good ripeness while preserving freshness. Merlot thrives in these slightly cooler, moisture-retentive soils, with Cabernet adding structure and aromatic complexity. The grapes are typically harvested at optimal maturity, with careful sorting to ensure only healthy, fully ripe bunches go into the final blend. Vinification follows the classic Bordeaux approach: controlled fermentation in tank to capture varietal fruit, followed by maturation—partly in oak barrels—to gently integrate tannins and add subtle notes of spice and toast. The aim is not heavy extraction, but rather a balanced, supple wine that showcases both fruit and terroir.

Food & Serving
This 1ères Côtes de Blaye Major 2017 is a versatile food wine, ideal with classic bistro and home-style dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats such as lamb chops, beef entrecôte, duck breast, or pork tenderloin. It also works well with richer poultry dishes, charcuterie, and hearty stews, as well as semi-hard cheeses like Comté, Cantal, or aged Gouda. For a more casual match, try it alongside burgers, grilled sausages, or mushroom-based dishes like a wild mushroom risotto. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–65°F) to show both its fruit and complexity. Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving can help open up the aromatics and soften the tannins, especially if you’re pouring it on the younger side of its drinking window.

Producer
Vignobles Carreau is a historic family estate whose roots on the right bank of the Gironde date back to 1832. The château itself is a 19th‑century property that has remained in the Carreau family for seven generations, a continuity that underpins their deep understanding of the local terroir. Located in Cars, opposite the famous Médoc vineyards of Pauillac and its neighbours, the estate has gradually expanded as the family acquired neighboring châteaux, each contributing its own distinctive vineyard sites and nuances. The name L’Escadre—used for some of their wines—honours the first Carreau owner, an admiral in the French navy, reflecting the family’s longstanding ties to the region’s maritime history. Today, Vignobles Carreau is known for producing supple, fruit-forward Bordeaux wines with a refined touch of oak, delivering authentic right-bank character at notably fair prices and helping shine a light on the quality potential of Blaye and its surroundings.

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