Chateau St. Jean 2010 Cinq Cépages
The estate of Chateau St. Jean is located at the foot of Sugarloaf Ridge in the Sonoma Valley near Kenwood, California. The estate was founded in 1973 and recognized as a true leader in “Vineyard Designated” wines. The winemaker, Margo Van Staaveren, brings with her 30 years of experience and draws out the best that Chateau St. Jean vineyards has to offer.
I opened a bottle of Cinq Cépages, which is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, and noticed a deep ruby color with aromas of complex dark black fruit, cacao and spice with oaky notes. The attack on the palate was full of fruit, blackberries, black cherries and hints of plum. This full-bodies wine was very well balanced with pleasant tannins, showing a soft bottle development. The finish lingers nicely, ending with some mineral notes. This is their leading wine, which is magnificent, and you should set down a bottle for a few years, if you don’t get tempted first. Wonderful!
Cheers!