Château Vignelaure 1995 - Côteaux d'Aix en Provence

Château Vignelaure 1995 - Côteaux d'Aix en Provence

"Without the sun, I am nothing."

Presentation of Château Vignelaure

Located on the land of the oldest vineyards in France, Château Vignelaure was taken over by Georges Brunet (former owner of Château la Lagune) at the end of the 1960s.

Mr. Brunet renamed Château Saint-Estève Vignelaure (Vine of Laura, muse of the poet Petrarch). He introduced the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon to Provence, using grafts sourced directly from La Lagune. Eloi Dürrbach produced two vintages there before establishing Domaine Trévallon, which achieved the success we know today.

After several changes of ownership, the estate is once again on the path to a good level of quality.

Presentation of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Appellation

The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation is the largest and westernmost of the wine appellations in Provence. Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the Mistral wind and cool nights, it offers ideal conditions for producing characterful red wines. The clay-limestone and gravelly soils favor grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Grenache, yielding structured, aromatic wines with excellent aging potential.

The 1995 Vintage in Provence

The 1995 vintage was a year of exceptional quality for red wines in Provence, particularly for estates like Vignelaure, which prioritize structure and aging potential. The climatic conditions allowed for optimal grape ripeness, producing rich, balanced wines with a lovely freshness. After nearly three decades, the 1995 wines have reached their ideal stage of maturity, revealing their full complexity.

Details on the 1995 Vintage: Grape Varieties and Tasting Notes

Château Vignelaure 1995 is a highly expressive red wine, typical of the estate's expertise:

• Grape varieties: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Syrah and sometimes a touch of Grenache. (Note: The exact blend may vary slightly, but Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant).
• Winemaking: Aged in oak barrels to bring complexity and structure.
• Color: Deep garnet red, with tile-like reflections, a sign of beautiful development.
• Nose: Complex and intense, opening with aromas of candied black fruits (blackcurrant, cherry), ripe bell pepper, undergrowth, leather, spices (pepper, clove) and balsamic notes.
• Palate: Ample, balanced, and velvety. The tannins are smooth and elegant. The body is medium to full, with a beautiful aromatic persistence of ripe fruit, tertiary notes, and a harmonious finish marked by surprising freshness for its age.

Bottle Condition

Bottle in excellent overall condition, ready to be enjoyed:

• Format: 75 cl.
• Level: Perfect.
• Label: Patinated by time and slightly stained, a testament to its age and authenticity, but perfectly legible.
• Capsule: Intact.
• Overall condition: Excellent state of preservation.

Food & Wine Pairings and Tasting Tips

Serve this wine after decanting it for about an hour to allow it to open up, at a temperature of 16-18°C. It pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled or sauced red meats (Provençal lamb, daube).
• Game birds.
• Dishes with Mediterranean flavors.
• Hard, mature cheeses.