2022/23 Château de Cruzeau, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

2023 was marked by a uniform start to vegetation: bud-break dates returned to normal, foliage developed rapidly and the bunches emerged beautifully. Heavy rainfall in the spring tarnished the start of the season somewhat, with mildew appearing in places. There was no hot summer in 2023, but relatively cool nights and warm but not excessively hot days in July and August created ideal ripening conditions for the grapes, which produced remarkable aromatic potential.

Whole-grape pressing, fermentation and barrel ageing with bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) are used to make this Château de Cruzeau white wine. These methods are used in order to obtain the finest expression of its terroir. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The winery's origins date back to the 17th century. The estate was founded by Jacques de Cruzeau, a prominent Bordeaux lawyer. This lawyer bequeathed his name to the estate and inspired its winegrowing vocation. In the 18th century, he was succeeded by the wealthy merchant Sieur Nolibois, whose extensive business connections helped to make Cruzeau wines a household name in Bordeaux. Their high quality and finesse were soon recognized by the city’s best brokers. In 1858, the Cante family owned the estate and produced fifteen barrels of red and white wine. The Château as it is known today was built in 1912. In 1973, André Lurton discovered this property and concentrated all his efforts on restoring the Château de Cruzeau to its former glory.

Château de Cruzeau seduces with its remarkable gravel terroir. Its homogeneity is exceptional. Covering almost 60 hectares, the estate is set on gravelly hilltops, rich in rolled pebbles. The plots are generally south-facing: an ideal situation for producing great wines, typical of the Pessave-Léognan appellation. 

Vines thrive in the exceptional terroir, producing wines whose reputation is well established. Quality and finesse characterize Château de Cruzeau’s red wines. The fruity whites are marked by the classic aromas of Sauvignon Blanc. In the cellar, fermentation of the juices in tuns enables the varietal typicity to be expressed, while the wine is kept on its lees to give it volume on the palate.