Château des Bachelards - Saint-Amour 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

A former wine estate belonging to the monks of Cluny, Château des Bachelards extends over 12 hectares, including 6 hectares in Fleurie, in a single block around the château; the rest is divided between the Moulin-à-Vent and Saint-Amour crus. It is owned by Countess Alexandra de Vazeilles, who, after a career in corporate consulting, bought the estate in 2014. Notably, the vineyard has been certified organic since 2007, and it was the Countess de Vazeilles who led it towards biodynamic certification in 2015 and, in 2017, the Fermes d'Avenir label. Alexandra de Vazeilles has a strong personality, an entrepreneurial spirit and an iron will, which sometimes clashes with the winegrower's spirit, secretive and reluctant to change. Just taste a few of the estate's cuvées to grasp the singular personality of this high-profile domaine. The young 2016s are remarkable for their structure and precision. The use of wood is not taboo at the Comtesse, but the signature of fine wines built for ageing. Isn't it one of the attributes reserved for great wines?

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

An oenology graduate, Alexandra de Vazeilles acquired this lovely property in 2014. She cut her teeth on prestigious estates in Burgundy and Bordeaux. The entire vineyard, ranging in age from 60 to over 100 years, has been certified biodynamic since 2015. She strives for density in her wines, while retaining true finesse. The vinifications, which adapt to the vintage, make this possible.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

About the wine:

Now it's time for love! The cherry and floral notes almost overwhelm you. Beautiful sweet fruit, but also grace and elegance, the firm tannic core giving this structure, depth and length. The pronounced chalky character is beautifully married to the mineral acidity of the long finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. For drinking or cellaring.