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), choosing to adhere to the rigorous standards of biodynamics. Asterian limestone is predominant at Puy Arnaud. In the late 19th century, the fifteen hectares of the Clos 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 juice, paired with exemplary fruitiness in its rich, balanced profile. 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 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 wine:

Thierry Valette has produced an outstanding 2025 vintage, characterized by a vibrant freshness derived from the Cabernets, with a subtle rusticity typical of the variety yet balanced by a delicate body, and a long finish characteristic of the finest limestone terroirs.

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.

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 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—simply an excellent, joyful wine. It will take a few years for it to fully mellow, but there is so much pent-up energy waiting to be released. Very floral violet and peony, with a severe rosé quality. This is a purchase to watch, a purchase for me. The Malbec and Cabernet Franc are very well-raised, showing clear austerity at this early stage, but it will be worth the wait for limestone enthusiasts. Harvested in mid-September and aged in barrels, 10% of which are new. 3:30 PM Photo: Thierry Valette, former co-owner of Château Pavie. Nicolas Legrand, Winemaker