Fleur de Pedesclaux is the ‘Super Second’ wine of the fifth growth Chateau Pedeslaux located in the Medoc’s Pauillac appellation.

Pedesclaux has acquired a very good reputation in recent years. With links to the wine trade and the Negociants broker system in Bordeaux in the early 1800’s, Pedesclaux built up a fine reputation for producing its own Pauillac wines until 1891 when the Pedesclaux family sold the estate. Slowly the Chateau, as it passed through various hands, fell into disarray until 1950 when it was given a new lease of life under Lucien Jugla. Lucien cared for the vines and nurtured the Chateau back to former glory. In more recent years, the Chateau has had full modernization with temperature controlled tanks, a full overhaul of the cellars, high-tech equipment and strict vineyard regimes. This has showed in both the Grand Vin and the Fleur de Pedesclaux.

The Fleur de Pedesclaux is an unusual blend for Left-Bank Bordeaux, and Pauillac in particular, as it is made up of a high proportion of Merlot (and in 2012 was entirely Merlot!). The 2014 is a blend of 89% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot & 2% Cabernet Franc from all over the 49.7 hectare site. Some of the vines are situated next to some of the most famous vineyards in the world, belonging to Mouton-Rothschild from Chateau d’Armailhac.

The wine itself has spent 16 months in French oak with 10% being in new oak after an extended period of cold pre-fermentation maceration, providing rounded velvety tannins. This is a good solid claret. Lots of structure, power and weight alongside lifted floral finesse, dark berries and some chocolate notes. This is a wine that needs decanting 2-3 hours prior to serving if your intention is to drink now. Otherwise, cellar this wine to reap rewards in the next five years.