Winery: Chateau Pipeau

Country / Region: France / Bordeaux, Saint Emilion

Date Winery was established: 19th Century

Grape Variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc

Alcohol Content / Volume: 13.5% / 750ml

Rating: 92-93 pts. Wine Maniacs

First Vintage Released: 1961

Decanting Time: open bottle for 1 hour, decant and serve at 18°C

Good to know: Château Pipeau is a family-owned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate located in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, near the village of Saint-Émilion. Managed by the Mestreguilhem family since 1929, the 26-hectare vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines grow on sandy and clay-limestone soils, with an average age of 30 to 40 years and high vine density. Winemaking at Château Pipeau emphasizes precision, with fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, followed by aging for 12 to 14 months in mostly new French oak barrels. The wines are known for their expressive fruit, refined structure, and ability to age well, offering both early-drinking appeal and long-term potential. With an annual production of around 140,000 bottles, Château Pipeau has earned a reputation for delivering elegant, high-quality Grand Cru Bordeaux at excellent value.

Château Pindefleurs 2020 is the result of a challenging vintage marked by unpredictable weather—from spring frosts to a scorching summer—yet it’s in adversity that the vines yield their finest expression. The wine shows full maturity while remaining fresh and delicate on the nose. Crafted by a fifth-generation winemaking family, the estate takes a hands-on, natural approach, with vineyards located within 5 kilometers of the château and grown without herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected, reflecting the family’s dedication to precision and elegance in every bottle.