On Thursday 22nd October, we joined an intimate zoom tasting to taste the triumphant vintages of Chateau Meyney, an estate forming part of the impressive CA Grands Crus portfolio.
We were joined by host Anne le Naor CEO and President of the group, and Marketing Director Marine Lemens. The three vintages Chateau Meyney St Estephe (2014, 2015, 2016) are the most celebrated vintages of the Chateau Meyney estate to date.
Their recognised success comes after the renowned Southwold Tastings whereby after three consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020) the vintages have scored 17 points and above. Attended by influential UK based wine buyers, merchants, and journalists the reputation awarded to an estate’s wines following the tasting remains a blueprint for validating a wines superior quality.
Chateau Meyney St Estephe 2014 was awarded 17 points for its ‘really exciting lift and stoniness on the nose’. Meanwhile, the 2015 and 2016 were both awarded impressive scores of 18.5, simultaneously recognised as a ‘Very Good Vintage’.
The geographical and environmental situation of Chateau Meyney, one of the oldest estates of the Medoc, is an obvious factor in the reputation of these wines. The estate stretches over some of the finest hilltops above the Gironde Estuary. The Chateau lies at the centre of a single block vineyard of 51 hectares.
The vines are aged between 35 to 40 years divided between 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10 % Petit Verdot. The vines climb to an altitude of 20 metres upwards, on a steep slope ensuring adequate natural drainage of the soil. A layer of blue clay about 3-metres thick lies at a depth of 2,6 metres below the surface. Such remarkable environmental factors give the wine an exceptional richness.
Speaking of Chateau Meyney 2016 (the latest vintage) spokesperson from The 2020 Southwold tasting said:
“Finally, we come to Saint-Estèphe where the best wines will rival the top names of Pauillac and Saint-Julien. It was also the scene of the biggest shock of the tasting when – yet again – lowly unclassified Château Meyney took on the big guns and ultimately shared the top spot. An incredible performance for a wine that currently sells at 260£ per dozen (although maybe not for much longer!). Meyney was in a dead heat with Calon Ségur (another vastly improved property on a fine run of form) with Montrose and Cos d’Estournel close behind.”
