Château Trapaud “Parcelle 784” Castillon 2022

Appellation: Castillon

Producer: Château Trapaud

Vintage: 2022

Grape Varieties: 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot

Alcohol: 15% ABV

Vineyard: From the continuation of the plateau that gives neighbouring Saint-Émilion its most famous terroirs

Winemaking: 12 months in oak

Serving Temperature: 17°C

Many of the most famous producers in Saint-Émilion have snapped up land in neighbouring Castillon, especially in the premium districts on the plateau at the top of the slopes, the ancient river banks of the Dordogne, because they saw how similar the quality of the land was there to the best parcels of Saint-Émilion, and yet so much less expensive due to the more modest fame of the Castillon name. And so it is that Saint-Émilion producer Château Trapaud obtained the tiny block of land in the premium plateau district of Castillon to make their top Castillon cuvée named Parcelle 784.

Parcelle 784 is a powerful, deep and complex expression of Castillon. Cabernet Franc takes the lead at 70%, with Merlot making up the balance, and the result is clearly intended as a serious step up in depth and ambition. Twelve months in oak adds maturity to a wine already carrying considerable natural presence.

The aromatics are intensely fruit driven and bright, surging through a cloud of cedary oak, smoky toast, and crispy roast meat nuances. At 15% alcohol, this is obviously a wine of scale, and its consequent body sets a serious and substantial tone, but the high proportion of Cabernet Franc gives backbone and poise, complexing perfume and flavour on the palate that lingers satisfyingly after every sip. 

It can be enjoyed now, although its drinking window extends through 2035. Serve at around 17°C with slow-cooked beef, roast lamb or a mushroom or even truffle-infused dish. Deep, serious and built to last, Parcelle 784 makes a persuasive case for looking just beyond Saint-Émilion’s eastern boundary.

Post arrival price will be $53.95