Clos Puy Arnaud - Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Grand Vin BIO 2019

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Thierry Valette has always had a passion for wine. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare estate in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 kilometers east of Libourne), choosing to adhere to the rigorous standards of biodynamics. Asterian limestone is predominant at Puy Arnaud. 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 unfolds. Velvety in texture and predominantly Merlot, this great wine displays great refinement in its tannic length, with well-defined fruit and a stylish, very fresh finish. This is certainly one of the most accomplished vintages on the Right Bank. It is one of the most original wines of the Bordeaux region.

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 biodynamics. Asterian limestone is predominant at Puy Arnaud. In the late 19th century, the Clos’s fifteen hectares were actually 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 range stands out for its consistency and coherence: the Pervenche cuvée, suitable for moderate aging, is best enjoyed within 5 years for the liveliness of its fruit. Les-Ormeaux releases a delicately textured wine, paired with exemplary fruitiness in its rich, balanced profile. Velvety in texture and predominantly Merlot, this fine wine is highly refined in its tannic length, with well-defined fruit and a stylish, refreshing finish. This is certainly one of the most accomplished vintages on the Right Bank. In a blind tasting, this wine will surprise many, as it can rival even the most prestigious wines. It is one of the most original wines of the Bordeaux region!

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

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 distinguished style. The vineyard, now cultivated using biodynamic methods, is living up to all expectations. In addition to the estate wine, Thierry Valette offers two “everyday” cuvées (Bistrot and Rouge) that reconcile us with Bordeaux wines meant for immediate enjoyment. It is worth noting the consistency of the range and the commitment to producing both wines for immediate pleasure and wines of great depth.

Wine Spectator

About the wine:

Fresh and relatively open, this blend of cherry and plum with subtle notes of anise, tobacco, and black tea is already approachable. It offers a subtle chalky minerality that lingers through a long, lingering finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy now through 2032.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Owned by the Valette family of Saint-Émilion, this is one of Castillon’s flagship wines. In addition to its powerful structure and density, it offers great richness. Bursting with blackberry flavors and featuring balanced acidity, this wine has great potential. Best enjoyed starting in 2024. Organic and biodynamic.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

It was also encouraging to see outstanding performances in appellations other than the two major ones— St-Émilion and Pomerol. One of the most impressive wines was a Castillon, Clos Puy Arnaud, produced with the utmost respect for biodynamic techniques. [...] Medium purple. A toasty, savory, appetizing nose. Nothing overdone here, and a beautiful balance between well-integrated ripe fruit and freshness. A truly honest wine with nothing exaggerated, no artifice. The very essence of the terroir, accessible even as it possesses a reassuring structure underlying the subtle fruit. The kind of wine to reassure the younger generation that Bordeaux can produce quality wine. Hats off! Drink between 2023 and 2036.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2019 Clos Puy Arnaud is fabulous, just as it was in the barrel. Subtle and beautifully layered, with supple contours and silky tannins. Black fruit, mocha, cloves, licorice, violet, and spices make up this flamboyant Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, which opens up further with a little aeration. In a word: superb.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Blackberries, praline, dried flowers, earth, and bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Round and creamy with a harmonious fruitiness and a silky texture. Pure and delicious. So vibrant. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes from organic farming. Delicious now, but will be even better starting in 2024.

Andreas Larsson

About the wine:

A brilliant purple-ink color. Pure, floral aromas of violet, rose, blackberry, blackcurrant, and black truffle. Beautiful texture, supple yet concentrated with powdery tannins, layers of approachable black fruit, vibrant freshness, good depth with subtle spices, notes of black truffle, ginger, clove, and wet tobacco leaf. A long, lingering finish with delicately spiced fruit. Very beautiful.