Clos Puy Arnaud - Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Grand Vin BIO 2025 (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

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 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

About the wine:

Thierry Valette has crafted a superb 2025, characterized by a vibrant freshness derived from the Cabernets, with a subtle rustic quality typical of the variety but complemented by a delicate body and a long finish typical of the finest limestone terroirs.

About the estate:

Thierry Valette has owned this estate in Castillon since 2000. Crafted with care, 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.

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

About the wine:

The Clos Puy Arnaud 2025 is fabulous. Intense floral and salty top notes blend with aromas of dark red fruits with violet hues, rose petals, mocha, and spices. The two Cabernet varieties play a dominant role in this year’s blend, contributing distinct and pronounced salty notes, yet the wine’s depth and richness bring the whole into perfect harmony.

James Suckling

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Aromas of juicy cherries, blackcurrants, graphite, and spring flowers characterize the Clos Puy Arnaud Grand Vin 2025, a medium-bodied Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux wine composed of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. It offers a pure and concentrated palate, with fine tannins and well-integrated acidity. It displays woody notes, but these are beautifully integrated and refined.

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

About the wine:

The ink-like, glass-stained color is immediately apparent here and bears the subtle imprint of limestone—a juicy wine, laced with slate notes, that tiptoes across the palate with joy and elegance; quite simply, an excellent, joyful wine. It will take a few years for it to soften completely, but there is so much pent-up energy waiting to be unleashed. Very floral notes of violet and peony, with a crisp, fresh quality. This is a wine to keep an eye on—a must-buy for me. The Malbec and Cabernet Franc are very well-raised, showing a distinct austerity at this early stage, but it will be worth the wait for limestone enthusiasts. Harvested in early September and aged in barrels, 10% of which are new. 3:30 p.m. Photo: Thierry Valette, former co-owner of Château Pavie. Nicolas Legrand, Winemaker