Château Picque Caillou - Pessac-Léognan rouge 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Picque-Caillou is one of the last properties in the heart of the Bordeaux urban area: 21 hectares of beautiful stony terroir, as the name suggests. In 2006, Paulin Calvet took over the destiny of this family vineyard. Drawing on his experience acquired at Maison Moueix, he set about restoring the reputation of this fine vineyard, supported in this by the late Denis Dubourdieu and now by Dubourdieu's team. It's fair to say that he's succeeded in the last few vintages, as the wines are steadily improving. The emphasis here is on elegance, purity of fruit, expression of terroir and balance. The domaine deserves a second star.

Decanter

About the wine:

This wine shows excellent oak finesse on the nose, and offers Damascus fruit on the palate, with an obvious, but not overpowering, sweetness. It is extremely concentrated, and clearly more successful than Picque Caillou's white in this vintage. 34% new oak. Owned by Pauline Calvet. Valérie Lavigne is a consultant.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Located in the heart of the Bordeaux conurbation, this vineyard with a name evocative of its terroir has been run since 2007 by Paulin Calvet, from the famous line of négociants who have owned the estate since 1947. Covering 22 ha, it is one of the last vineyards in Mérignac. The estate is run under an environmental management system.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

With an intense garnet-purple color, Picque Caillou 2018 leaps from the glass to express intense notes of blackcurrant syrup, blueberry tart, preserved plums, as well as hints of damp earth, truffles and camphor. Full-bodied, this wine reveals dark fruit flavors that fill the mouth, together with hints of mint and a firm, chewy structure. A long, earthy finish.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This well-structured wine has both richness and tension. The blackcurrant fruit is balanced by a mineral texture that gives the wine a taut, structured edge that contrasts with the juicy fruit. This suggests that the wine will age well. Drink from 2026.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very attractive aromas of blackberry, mushroom, stone and wood bark. The wine is medium to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a juicy, savory finish. It shows finesse and suppleness for a 2018 vintage. It needs 3 or 4 years to open up. Best after 2024.