Clos Puy Arnaud 2014

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

Racy tannins full of energy, with a distinguished salty finish.

About the estate:

Thierry Valette has always had a taste for wine; his great-grandfather owned the Pavie and Troplong-Mondot châteaux, two of the most prestigious classified growths in Saint-Émilion. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare property in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 kilometers east of Libourne), choosing to adhere to the demanding standards of biodynamics. Asteria limestone predominates at Puy Arnaud. At the end of the 19th century, the fifteen hectares of the Clos were classified as "Premier Cru" of Saint-Émilion! These soils bring a lot of finesse, freshness, and minerality to the grapes, allowing the bouquet to rival that of the "great terroirs" (floral, spices, truffle) as it gradually develops. The range stands out for its consistency and coherence: the Pervenche cuvée, which has medium aging potential, can be enjoyed within five years for its cheerful fruitiness. Les Ormeaux releases a delicate juice, coupled with exemplary fruitiness in its delicious balance. Velvety in texture and predominantly Merlot, the grand vin is very refined in its tannic length, with well-expressed fruitiness and a stylish, very fresh finish. This is certainly one of the most accomplished cuvées on the right bank. In a blind tasting, this wine will surprise many, as it can rival other more prestigious wines. It is one of the most original wines in Bordeaux!

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Clos Puy Arnaud 2014 has a ripe, pure bouquet with unforgettable aromas of black cherry, iodine, and violet... that you won't want to forget either. The palate is well balanced with succulent ripe black cherries and raspberries, a lively acidity, fresh citrus fruits and a lovely finish. I love the hint of blood orange on the aftertaste! A vintage that stands head and shoulders above its peers and comes highly recommended.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

With an admirable depth and a deep, intense palate, this 2014 stands out among the wines of Castillon. Intense, concentrated in fruit and superbly balanced in its aging, it is a magnificent wine.

About the estate:

Thierry Valette has owned this Castillon estate since 2000. Carefully crafted, the wine has established itself from the outset as one of the appellation's most interesting vintages, with a deep and eminently distinguished style. The vineyard, now cultivated biodynamically, confirms all expectations. In addition to the first wine, Thierry Valette offers two cuvées designed for everyday drinking (Bistrot and Rouge), which reconcile us with Bordeaux wines for immediate consumption. It is worth noting the consistency of the range and the desire to produce both wines for immediate enjoyment and wines of great depth.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Owner Thierry Valette has traveled extensively on the right bank (the Pavie family and owner of Troplong Mondot) and, as a consultant, around the world. Here, he offers a delicious, juicy wine with fine tannins and ripe red fruit. It has aromas of mint and spices as well as balanced acidity. Drink this lovely wine starting in 2018.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

A dense, concentrated wine, slightly vegetal, fresh, and a little acidic. Time will mellow the whole thanks to the wine's beautiful density.