Château Mangot - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru BIO 2021

Yann and Karl Todeschini have come to appreciate this family-owned estate in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse: it comprises 34 hectares of contiguous vineyards spread across four types of terroir, predominantly clay-limestone soils. The wines are dense, powerful, and full-bodied; they absolutely must be aged or decanted two hours before serving.

The vineyards, founded in 1951 by Jean Petit, comprise 37 hectares in a single block of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, on a terroir rich in asterias limestone (Mangot, an historic cru first mentioned in 1510), and 16 hectares in Castillon (La Brande), meticulously managed since 1989 by Jean-Guy and Anne-Marie Todeschini, who were joined in 2008 by their sons Karl and Yann. The vineyard has been fully certified organic since 2020 and is in the process of converting to biodynamic farming.

It offers enticing aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, intertwined with notes of licorice and flower petals. The 2021 Château Mangot is a medium-bodied wine—full-flavored and well-defined—with a lovely core of fruit, well-integrated acidity, and fine, powdery tannins that come to the fore on a slightly chalky finish. 2025–2037

First mentioned in 1546, Château Mangot has stood the test of time and is now a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru located in the town of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, in the eastern part of the appellation. In 1952, Simone and Jean Petit purchased Mangot with the goal of restoring it to its former glory. Over the course of 30 years, they expanded the vineyard from 5 to 37 hectares. In 1989, their daughter and her husband, Anne-Marie and Jean-Guy Todeschini, took over, restructuring the vineyard and modernizing the facilities. In 2008, Karl and Yann—after completing their studies and internships in France and abroad—joined their parents, bringing enthusiasm, precision, and a modern approach. What do these three generations have in common? A philosophy: to act in the simplest and most natural way possible, guided by sound, down-to-earth judgment. Sustainable viticulture was chosen to preserve the natural balance. In the winery, the winemaking process is plot-by-plot to fully express the character of each of the estate’s 22 plots. The family also owns 25 hectares in Castillon, including Château le Brande.

The 2021 Mangot reveals itself as a wine of great finesse, with an evident serenity and compelling complexity. Slightly creamy on the palate, the wine embodies the vintage and showcases its strengths: freshness, tension, and fine-grained tannins that provide a solid foundation. A mouthwatering, savory, and lingering Mangot. I note this elegant wine’s ability to shine with its power! 2026–2046

A lovely, fresh, elegant, and intense nose, offering a nice, precise, and taut texture. It features notes of blackberry, violet, and a hint of mild pepper, combined with hints of ripe berries as well as subtle...

A hint of spice, espresso, flowers, black raspberries, and black cherries awakens the senses. The palate is even more impressive, with its medium body, delicate and creamy red fruit aromas, and freshness. Though less dense than previous vintages, it remains very enjoyable. This wine is aged in new French oak barrels, large casks, and terracotta amphorae. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2037.