Chateau Beauregard

Chateau Beauregard is a Right Bank, lighter and traditional style Pomerol red blend that has amazing red fruit characteristics. Unlike some other Bordeaux wines, this one is best enjoyed in its youth. The 2013 Beauregard Pomerol is now in stock, and let me tell you a little more about why you definitely want to purchase this wine to try at home!

While it has an unusual, for Pomerol, glamorous and elaborate chateau built in 1795, Chateau Beauregard is actually named after the Beauregard family from the 17th century. The wine quality has been steadily increasing since it was acquired by new owners in 1991. And the most recent ownership transfer in 2014 to the Moulin-Houzé family, with a minority share by the Caithard family of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, is expected to yield great results.

Sitting very near the Saint Emilion border with Cheval Blanc as a near neighbor, the terroir is a mix of sand, gravel and a  larger percentage of clay than its Pomerol peers. Currently, the 17.5ha vineyard is planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, but little-by-little the Chateau is replacing vines until they reach a 40% Cab Franc split. All the Cab Sauv and Malbec that once lived on the property are now gone. Planted to a very high density (for Pomerol, at least) at 9,250 vines per hectare, the vines average 35 years of age.

Vinification at Chateau Beauregard takes place in 20 temperature controlled, stainless steel vats that vary in size from 35 to 100 hectoliters. This allows the Chateau to ferment by parcel, which is sometimes by vineyard row and sometimes both grape varieties are co-fermented. Aged in an average of 65% new, French oak barrels for between 18 to 24 months, the final production is approximately 5,000 cases per year.

Critics are very excited about the 2013 Chateau Beauregard Pomerol. Not only does it have the juicy red fruit you'd expect from this label, but it also has floral notes and spiciness that make it irresistible to put the glass down. You definitely want to try this wonderful example of Pomerol style.