2018 La Chapelle de Meyney Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THE WINE

La Chapelle de Meyney is the second wine of Château Meyney, produced from the estate’s vineyards in Saint-Estèphe on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. It is crafted with the same attention to terroir as the grand vin but is selected to offer a more supple, fruit-forward expression that can be enjoyed earlier in its evolution.

The 2018 vintage was warm and successful in the northern Médoc, producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with excellent ripeness and concentration. La Chapelle de Meyney reflects that character with layers of cassis, blackberry, plum, and black cherry complemented by cedar, tobacco, savory herbs, and gentle spice. Cabernet contributes structure and freshness, while Merlot brings roundness and generous fruit; Petit Verdot, when included in the blend, adds color, spice, and additional depth.

Château Meyney occupies an exceptional 51-hectare vineyard overlooking the Gironde estuary, neighboring Château Montrose. Its vines grow predominantly on deep gravel soils with clay beneath, a combination that provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support the vines through dry periods. A notable vein of blue clay beneath portions of the estate contributes to Meyney's distinctive power, freshness, and mineral character.

Vinification follows traditional Médoc practices, with individual vineyard parcels fermented separately before blending and maturation. The resulting wine balances the structure associated with Saint-Estèphe with the accessibility expected of a second wine. Now showing appealing development, the 2018 is well suited to roast beef, grilled lamb, duck, braised short ribs, mushrooms, or aged hard cheeses.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Château Meyney is one of Saint-Estèphe’s historic estates, with origins dating to the 17th century, when the property was associated with a religious community known as the Feuillants. Its location is particularly privileged: the vineyards form a largely contiguous block close to the Gironde estuary, between several of the appellation’s most celebrated properties.

Although Meyney was omitted from Bordeaux’s 1855 Classification, the château has long enjoyed a reputation for producing wines that embody the classic personality of Saint-Estèphe: dark fruit, firm structure, savory complexity, and impressive longevity. The estate is currently owned by CA Grands Crus, the wine-property arm of Crédit Agricole, which has invested significantly in both vineyard management and cellar precision.

The château’s philosophy centers on preserving the identity of its historic terroir through detailed parcel-by-parcel viticulture and increasingly precise winemaking. Cabernet Sauvignon remains fundamental to the estate’s character, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. Across both Château Meyney and La Chapelle de Meyney, the goal is a distinctly Saint-Estèphe balance of power and freshness, combining the appellation’s traditional structure with greater polish, purity of fruit, and accessibility.