Clos Puy Arnaud - Les Ormeaux 2016
93/100
RVF
89/100
Wine Spectator
“A beautifully crafted wine with a slender, toned body—typical of the Ormeaux region—and slightly salty tannins: the wine opens with a striking intensity that will endure over time.” (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2021 - RVF) Thierry Valette, the great winemaker from Castillon, needs no introduction—and here he delivers yet another triumph! A stunning balance of density, ripeness, and freshness, with clarity and purity against a menthol-tinged backdrop—it’s to die for. A precise and captivating wine. A pleasure-driven cuvée at its peak—one to buy by the case!
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Eye
Purple
Nose
Enchanting with floral and fruity notes—blackcurrant and blackcurrant leaf—against a minty backdrop. Open, pleasant, and classy.
Palate
A divine, luscious nectar with no harshness—a beautifully balanced wine with body, velvety tannins, perfect balance, and a finish offering notes of truffle and eucalyptus. This pure, easy-drinking wine is currently at its peak.
Serve
At 14-16°C
Apogee
2020-2021
Drink before
2023
Food and Wine Pairings
Pairs beautifully with chicken liver cake, ribeye steak, baked eggs, or a truffle omelet; a dish of cardoons with bone marrow; and cheeses such as Rocher nantais or Cendré de Vergy
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2022 guide): 4*Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the estate:
Thierry Valette has always had a passion for wine; his great-grandfather owned Châteaux Pavie and Troplong-Mondot, two of Saint-Émilion’s most prestigious classified growths. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare estate in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 kilometers east of Libourne), committing to the rigorous standards of biodynamic viticulture. Asterian limestone predominates at Puy Arnaud. In fact, in the late 19th century, the Clos’s fifteen hectares were classified as a “Premier Cru” of Saint-Émilion! These soils impart great 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 wine range stands out for its consistency and coherence: the Pervenche cuvée, with moderate aging potential, is best enjoyed within 5 years to savor its lively fruit. Les-Ormeaux offers a delicately textured wine, paired with exemplary fruitiness and a rich, balanced flavor. Velvety in texture and predominantly Merlot, this grand vin is highly refined in its tannic length, with well-defined fruit and a stylish, refreshing finish. This is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished vintages on the Right Bank. In a blind tasting, this wine will surprise many, as it can hold its own against other, more prestigious wines. It is one of the most original wines from the Bordeaux region!
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2021 guide) 93/100
Rated Estate (2022 Guide) 2*Stars (These exceptional estates, often boasting fabulous terroirs, are must-haves that, thanks to the consistency and excellence of their wines, deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers)
About the wine:
A beautifully balanced wine with a slender, toned structure for Les Ormeaux, featuring slightly salty tannins: the wine opens with a striking intensity that will endure over time.
About the estate:
Thierry Valette has owned this estate in Castillon since 2000. Carefully crafted, the wine established itself from the outset as one of the appellation’s most interesting wines, with a deep and eminently refined style. The vineyard, now cultivated using biodynamic methods, is living up to all expectations. In addition to the flagship wine, Thierry Valette offers two “everyday” cuvées (Bistrot and Rouge) that restore our faith in Bordeaux wines meant for immediate enjoyment. It’s worth noting the consistency of the lineup and the winemaker’s commitment to producing both wines for immediate pleasure and wines of great depth.
Wine Spectator
Wine rated 89/100 (Very good wine)
Jancis Robinson
Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended
Customer Rating
3.7/5
based on 18 reviews
Review and comment by Mr. REMI M. Published on June 14, 2021
A magnificent, intense, lively, and vibrant juice. Well done, T Valette. ......and thank you!
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Review by Mr. THIERRY N. Published on April 7, 2021
A very well-balanced wine. Best enjoyed now, as it won't improve with age. However, it's a bit pricey for a Castillon.
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Review by Ms. AMANDINE L. Published on March 29, 2025
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Review and comment by Mr. SEBASTIEN R. Posted on June 6, 2023
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Review by Mr. ARNAUD A. Published on March 13, 2023
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Review by Mr. PATRICE W. Published on March 6, 2023
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Review and comment by Mr. ADRIEN M. Published on 10/19/2022
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Review by Mr. JEAN LOUIS F. Published on July 5, 2022
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Review by Mr. LOIC T. Published on June 25, 2022
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Review by Mr. JEAN PIERRE L. Published on 12/15/2021
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