Clos Puy Arnaud - Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Grand Vin BIO 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Thierry Valette has always had a taste for wine: his great-grandfather owned Châteaux Pavie and Troplong-Mondot, two of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious crus classés. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare estate in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 km east of Libourne), opting for the demands of biodynamic viticulture. Asteriated limestone predominates at Puy Arnaud. In the late 19th century, the 15 hectares of Le Clos were classified as Saint-Émilion Premier Cru! These soils bring a great deal of finesse, freshness and minerality to the grapes, enabling the bouquet to rival that of the "grands terroirs" (floral, spicy, truffle) as it gradually takes shape. The range asserts itself by its regularity and coherence: the cuvée pervenche, for medium aging, should be drunk within 5 years for its jovial fruit. Les-ormeaux releases a delicate juice, coupled with exemplary fruitiness in its gourmet balance. Velvety in texture, predominantly Merlot, this great wine shows great refinement in its tannic length, with well-expressed fruit and a stylish finish of great freshness. This is certainly one of the most accomplished cuvées on the Right Bank. On a blind tasting, this cru will surprise many, as it can compete with other more prestigious wines. It's one of the most original wines in Bordeaux!

Decanter

About the wine:

An explosion of ripe berries on the nose, with the most magnificent depth of expression. More tannic than for many years, but neither bitter nor tight. An excellent wine, somewhere between powerful and sappy. The purity of fruit expression is evident. 3.32 pH. Certified biodynamic. 10% new oak, the rest in large oak vats and amphorae. Unfiltered and unfined. 2023-2036

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

About the wine:

An extraordinary concentration of fruit, a relief of invigorating flavors, a grainy, almost rocky texture, concluded by a long finish full of vitality. A wine to start opening to accompany stewed beef.

About the domain :

Thierry Valette has owned this Castillon estate since 2000. Carefully crafted, the wine has established itself from the outset as one of the appellation's most interesting crus, with a deep, eminently racy style. The vineyard, now cultivated biodynamically, confirms all hopes. In addition to the first wine, Thierry Valette offers two thirst-quenching cuvées (Bistrot and Rouge) that reconcile us with fast-drinking Bordeaux. It's worth noting the coherence of the range and the determination to make both wines for immediate pleasure and vintages of great depth.

Jancis Robinson

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

Clos Puy Arnaud 2020 is one of the great wines of this vintage. Rich, deep and deliciously layered, Clos Puy Arnaud shows just how convincing Côtes de Castillon can be. Notes of red fruit, blood orange, spice and mocha invade the palate. Silky tannins envelop the rich, inviting finish. The saline energy and precision of this wine are simply unreal. The 2020 was aged in a combination of different-sized casks and one-third amphora. This is a wine of extraordinary character and personality. 2025-2040

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

Nice creamy density for this wine from biodynamic grapes, lively, fruity, fresh and spicy. The slightly dense tannins accompany the acidity and juice through to the finish. A tasty wine that makes you want to go back for more, with that saline, salivating finish, again and again. 2024-2030

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Great subtlety and complexity in this bouquet that reveals itself step by step. Inviting nuances of black berries and peonies, followed by a touch of graphite. On the palate, the wine stands out for its ability to bridge the gap between finesse and fullness. So much energy, juice and harmony, all rounded off by a convincing fruity persistence. A great success. 2025-2035