Description

The 500-year-old Chateau des Annereaux is presently owned by the Hessel family and is currently considered to be producing some of its finest wines for many years, prompting Decanter Magazine to call this property ‘an essential discovery for any claret lover’.

Situated on the plateau near Lalande, the 22ha of vines grow on gravel and clay soils – ideal for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc from which this wine is made. Vinification is very traditional including a long maceration. Elevage takes place over 12 months in small barrels of which about 25% are new each year.

The resulting wine (83% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is rich and full, developing a creamy richness with bottle age. The presence of natural wild yeasts on the grapes adds elegance and complexity.

It gets exactly the same care and attention as the Chateau wine but because the vines are just outside the Lalande de Pomerol appellation it costs much less for equivalent quality.