Chateau Senejac, Comte de Senejac, Haut-Medoc

Producer Note

Château Sénéjac is one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole region and has a long and fascinating history dating back more than five centuries. The first vines were planted by Nicolas de Blois, the first known owner of the estate in the sixteenth century. A number of nobles and gentry succeeded de Blois as head of the property but it was not until Lorraine Cordier, the owner of Château Talbot, purchased the estate that new impetus was given to the vineyards. Cordier aimed to establishing the estate as one of the best in the Médoc crus. Following the death of Lorraine Cordier in 2011, the property was taken over by her sister Nancy Bignon-Cordier.

Vintage

A cool, damp summer nearly hampered the 2014 vintage; fortunately an unusually warm and dry Indian summer rescued the vintage. The fruit was harvested in good health and resulted in aromatic wines with supple tannins.

Vineyard

The vines have an average age of 35 years and are grown in deep gravel soils. Yielding 45hl/ha the vines are meticulously cultivated, with canopy thinning and green harvesting to encourage the optimal amount of sunlight and concentration in the berries. The grapes are handpicked in several triages to ensure they are harvested at the optimal maturity level. Once picked they undergo a precise manual sorting to ensure only the healthy and perfect berries are vinified.

Winemaking

Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with daily pumping over. It was then transferred using gravity to French oak barrels, of which 30% were new, where it underwent a malolactic fermentation. It was aged for eight to 10 months before bottling.

Tasting Note

Very deep colour with an expressive nose of black fruits and spices. Sénéjac is powerful and intense, while remaining smooth, thanks to the finesse of its tannins. A charming and distinguished wine that can be drunk young, when its fruity aromas are most enjoyable, or, even better, after ageing to discover the elegance and the richness of its terroir.

Serving Suggestion

A wonderful accompaniment to roast beef, rack of lamb, partridge and also hard cheeses

Grape

Merlot 63%, Cabernet Sauvignon 37%