Château Picque Caillou - Pessac-Léognan rouge 2018

Picque-Caillou is one of the last estates located in the heart of the Bordeaux metropolitan area: 21 hectares of beautiful, stony terroir, as its name suggests. In 2006, Paulin Calvet took the reins of this family-owned vineyard. Drawing on the experience he gained at Moueix, he set out to restore this beautiful vineyard’s reputation, supported in this effort by the late Denis Dubourdieu and now by Dubourdieu’s team. It’s safe to say that over the past few vintages he has succeeded, as the wines continue to improve. Here, the focus is on elegance, pure fruit, expression of the terroir, and balance. The estate deserves a second star.

This wine displays excellent oak finesse on the nose and offers notes of Damascus fruit on the palate, along with a distinct sweetness that is never overpowering. It is extremely concentrated and clearly superior to the Picque Caillou white in this vintage. 34% new oak. Owned by Pauline Calvet. Valérie Lavigne serves as a consultant.

Located in the heart of the Bordeaux metropolitan area, this estate—whose name evokes its terroir—has been managed since 2007 by Paulin Calvet, a member of the renowned family of wine merchants that has owned the estate since 1947. Covering 22 hectares, it is one of the last remaining vineyards in Mérignac. The estate is managed in accordance with an environmental management system.

With an intense garnet-purple color, the 2018 Picque Caillou bursts from the glass, revealing intense notes of blackcurrant syrup, blueberry pie, and canned plums, along with hints of damp earth, truffles, and camphor. Full-bodied, this wine reveals flavors of black fruits that fill the mouth, along with hints of mint and a firm, chewy structure. The finish is long and earthy.

This well-structured wine offers both richness and tension. The blackcurrant fruit is balanced by a mineral texture that gives the wine a taut, structured quality that contrasts with the juicy fruit. This suggests that the wine will age well. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.

Very appealing aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, stone, and wood bark. The wine is medium-bodied to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a juicy, flavorful finish. It displays finesse and suppleness for a 2018 vintage. It needs 3 or 4 years to open up. Best after 2024.