Château Cap d'Or Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion 2018

From the terrace at Cap Saint Georges, one looks out over the 19 hectares that make up Jean-Philippe Janoueix’s estate. The vines stretch all the way to the stone walls in perfect rows, a sight accentuated by their due south orientation. The first vintages from this new estate are rich and spicy.

A sun-kissed wine with an intense ruby color, whose aroma combines stimulating spicy notes with opulent fruitiness. On the palate, with its fine tannins, these flavors linger with a lovely finish. A harmonious wine.

The son of Jean-François Janoueix, Jean-Philippe Janoueix first settled in Lalande before founding Château La Confession in 2001 as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, a merger of Château Haut-Pontet (which became the second wine) and Château Barreau. He also produces Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Bordeaux Supérieur.

Hailing from a village north of Saint-Émilion, this wine—with aromas of chocolate and dark fruits—is young, dense, and firm on the tannins. A succulent finish bodes well for the future of this powerful blend, which is 86% Merlot. Best enjoyed starting in 2023.

A wine with character, clearly inspired by its terroir, featuring chalky nuances along with notes of blueberries and blackberries, followed by tobacco leaves. Juicy on the palate, where I detect those chalky notes again. The wine is refined, lively, and well-supported by its acidic structure and perfectly integrated tannins. What energy and precision this wine possesses! A real success.

Round, smooth, and fruity, this wine offers layers of rich, ripe fruit with hints of minerality, espresso, and licorice that add to its appeal. Already approachable, it will be enjoyable even in its youth.