21192 customer reviews

Sylvain Bruneau - Cuvée Réserve 2017

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil|Red wine|Organic

4/5 (43 customers)

2*Coup de Coeur

Hachette

"The grand jury didn't hesitate for long when tasting this cuvée made from organically grown Cabernets. Sixty-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone soil yielded a perfectly ripe harvest. In the cellar, the winemaking process emphasized extraction, while barrel aging added vanilla aromas and richness. Purple with ruby highlights, the wine releases a broad aromatic spectrum ranging from red fruits to woody notes. On the palate, it combines power and balance. A fine example of the appellation.”(Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2020)

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Estate

Sylvain Bruneau Vigneron

Vintage

Les Hauts Frogers (Réserve)

Vintage

2017

Designation

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil

Region

Loire

Grape varieties

100% Cabernet franc

Terroirs

South-facing clay-limestone soils. 60-year-old vines in the "Les Hauts Frogers" vineyard.

Viticulture

Certified organic

Grape Harvest

At peak ripeness

Winemaking

Traditional, with a 3-week maceration period

Livestock farming

12 months in oak barrels with regular stirring

Alcohol content

13.5%

Organic

Yes

Eye

Bright ruby color

Nose

Pleasant and fruity, with complex aromas of ripe red berries

Palate

Rich and well-balanced. A lovely blend of tart fruit, a structure defined by still-youthful tannins, and a light, fresh finish.

Serve

At 14-16°C

Drink before

2025

Food and wine pairings

Pairs well with a nice grilled ribeye steak, cold cuts, cheeses...

More information at Sylvain Bruneau Vigneron

More information at Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil

Bettane & Desseauve

Winery rated 1 star (A high-quality, recommended wine that lives up to what one would expect from its appellation(s))

About the estate:

With a long family history, the Bruneau-Dupuy estate is now run by Sylvain. Since 2012, the vineyard has been in the process of converting to organic farming. The estate covers an area of 20 hectares, sheltered to the north by the forest. Half of the estate is located on south-facing slopes, covered with old vines planted in clay-limestone soils. The wines from these vines are full-bodied and have a long finish. The other half of the vineyard is planted in sandy soils, which produces lighter, fruitier wines best enjoyed young. At under 15 euros, the wines offer good value for money.

Guide Hachette des vins

Rated wine (2020 guide): Favorite (Outstanding wine)

Rated estate (2026 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines are regularly recognized by the guide)

About the wine:

The grand jury didn't hesitate for long when tasting this cuvée made from organically grown Cabernets. Sixty-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone soil yielded a perfectly ripe harvest. In the cellar, the winemaking process emphasized extraction, while barrel aging added vanilla aromas and richness. Deep purple with ruby highlights, the wine releases a broad aromatic spectrum ranging from red fruits to woody notes. On the palate, it combines power and balance. A fine example of the appellation.

About the estate:

Representing the third generation of winemakers at this estate, which has consistently produced high-quality wines, Sylvain Bruneau, who took over in 1998, converted his vineyard—spanning some twenty hectares—to organic farming.

Customer rating

4/5

based on 43 reviews

Review by Mr. JEROME M. Posted on 06/06/2025

The wine is still dominated by oak; it's impossible to detect any aromas. It's light—what's the point of aging it in barrels? Maybe we need to wait a little longer. I still have my doubts about the appeal and potential of this vintage. In short, I'm disappointed with this St. Nicolas.