Château Champs Des Sables
Montagne-St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend
Montagne-St. Émilion, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in French oak. Deep Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral and spice notes. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry, plum and blackberry with notes of cacao and pepper spice. Firm dusty tannins, medium savory finish, ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral notes.
Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 18 months in French oak. Deep Ruby color with aromas of red fruits, floral and spice notes. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry, plum and blackberry with notes of cacao and pepper spice. Firm dusty tannins, medium savory finish, ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral notes.
Feb 28th, 2024
Château Champs des Sables – 2020
Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
From Bordeaux’s Right Bank, this Montagne-Saint-Émilion is a Merlot-led blend crafted in a rustic, traditional style. (Educational note: Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of Saint-Émilion’s satellite appellations, producing approachable and often value-driven Merlot-based reds.)
Aromas & Flavors
Dark plum, black cherry, and red currant upfront, with rustic earth, graphite, and light spice. The fruit presence feels restrained compared to more polished Saint-Émilion wines.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firm, with noticeable astringency and rustic tannins. Less plush than expected for a Merlot-driven blend, the finish is tight and somewhat austere.
Food Pairings
Better suited to hearty fare: cassoulet, beef stew, or rustic charcuterie, where the tannins can find balance.
Verdict
While it reflects a regional, rustic Bordeaux character, it lacks the softness and balance typically expected from a Merlot-based Right Bank wine. A bit too austere and astringent for my palate — still serviceable, but not a standout. 🍷
Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, but it provides insight into Bordeaux’s diverse Right Bank expressions at more approachable price points.
Château Champs des Sables – 2020
Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
From Bordeaux’s Right Bank, this Montagne-Saint-Émilion is a Merlot-led blend crafted in a rustic, traditional style. (Educational note: Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of Saint-Émilion’s satellite appellations, producing approachable and often value-driven Merlot-based reds.)
Aromas & Flavors
Dark plum, black cherry, and red currant upfront, with rustic earth, graphite, and light spice. The fruit presence feels restrained compared to more polished Saint-Émilion wines.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firm, with noticeable astringency and rustic tannins. Less plush than expected for a Merlot-driven blend, the finish is tight and somewhat austere.
Food Pairings
Better suited to hearty fare: cassoulet, beef stew, or rustic charcuterie, where the tannins can find balance.
Verdict
While it reflects a regional, rustic Bordeaux character, it lacks the softness and balance typically expected from a Merlot-based Right Bank wine. A bit too austere and astringent for my palate — still serviceable, but not a standout. 🍷
Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, but it provides insight into Bordeaux’s diverse Right Bank expressions at more approachable price points.
From the right bank, a light, yet medium bodied red with hints of cherry. It went well with pork chops.
From the right bank, a light, yet medium bodied red with hints of cherry. It went well with pork chops.
Aug 27th, 2024Excellent balance of acidity and fruitiness.
Excellent balance of acidity and fruitiness.
Feb 4th, 2024