Description
Eric Stauffeneger, co-founder of Vigneron Imports and now rechristened as "The French Wine Guy", came to us about 18 months ago with wine samples from a Bordeaux estate he was considering purchasing, and requested an opinion. We thought the wines were excellent and a fine value as well. . . Château Sarreau-Martin is located 4 miles from Saint-Émilion in the commune of Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe. Built in the 1880s, the mansion is typical of the Gironde region, and served as a refuge during World War II. The winemaker and vineyard manager is former estate owner Denis Lubiato. Denis learned his wine passion and winemaking/winegrowing skills from his father’s 45 years of winemaking in the region. The vineyard is typical of the Bordeaux Right Bank, mostly Merlot but also Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in clay-limestone soils, vines averaging 35-year-old. Soil analysis has shown this estate has among the cleanest soil (up to 5 times cleaner) than most neighboring vineyards and producers in the adjacent Saint-Émilion appellation. Harvest is done in the mornings by hand and/or machine, depending on the vineyard’s age and the climate conditions of the moment. Fermentation is temperature controlled, with twice-daily pump-overs, maceration for 3 weeks before aging in the cellar for 16–24 months, using very little new oak. Black plum and a touch of graphite, gentle tannins. A modern style while remaining true to the region, the 2022 is 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc.
