Chateau La Patache, Pomerol

Presentation of the estate

Château La Patache was acquired in 2012 by Peter Kwok and his son Howard. Mr Kwok is a real right bank lover and Patache is one of his three estates as he is also the owner of Château Haut Brisson and Château Tour Saint Christophe, both in Saint Emilion. "Patache" is the locality's name. It was an old way station on the road between Bordeaux and Lyon. At the end of the 19th century, the great potential of the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wines was discovered. Thanks to this revelation, "La Patache" became a single Château with its own identity. The old post office became the Château. The stables were transformed into cellars. Château La Patache is a small estate, but its unique terroir is very qualitative with soils that boast huge variety and complexity, including fine gravels with iron-rich clay in the subsoil. The vineyard is 3.5 hectares spread over nine plots with 1 hectare facing the famous Château Clinet.

Technical information

Vine Age :  28 years with a density of 5,500 vines/hectare

Harvest :  Hand picked

Winemaking   

"Vinification intégrale" method. The entire vinification process takes place in the barrel and the aromatic potential of the grapes is completely preserved. This unusual method in Bordeaux gives aromatic wines which are rounder, with more volume, more fat, more complexity and with a silkier finish.

Tasting comments

The Château La Patache is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It has a very precise nose: lovely control of the fruit here, blackberry and raspberry interlaced with truffle. The palate is medium bodied with ripe tannins, a little toasty in style, but balanced with a creamy finish. Two years in bottle will allow the flavours of the wine to settle. The wines from this chateau are expected to go from strength to strength.

Food & Wine Pairing 

Serve with grilled lamb, roasted pigeon, game or cheeses. Serve between 16°C and 18°C.

Optimum drinking

From 2 to 15 years reflecting the above notes. After this period, the wine will show more mature characteristics.