Vintage Character 2016 Château Chérubin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru comes from one of Bordeaux’s strongest recent vintages, shaped by a wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer and ideal harvest conditions that delivered both ripe fruit and admirable freshness. Classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, it is rooted in the appellation’s hallmark clay-limestone terrain, a terroir prized for giving Merlot and Cabernet Franc depth, floral lift, and the chalky tension that keeps richer fruit in balance.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing In the glass, this wine shows ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry aromas layered with violet, licorice, cedar and sweet spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with polished tannins, medium-full body, and a core of dark fruit framed by notes of vanilla, tobacco and subtle earth. The finish is persistent and refined, carrying both ripeness and mineral freshness. It pairs particularly well with roast lamb, duck breast with cherry sauce, or grilled porcini mushrooms.
Winery Background Château Chérubin is a small Saint-Émilion estate focused on limited production and careful parcel expression rather than scale, with fruit sourced from the appellation’s classic clay-limestone slopes. The estate is associated with Bertrand Bourdil, whose technical background informs a precise, quality-driven approach in both vineyard and cellar. Vineyard work emphasizes low yields and meticulous fruit selection, while winemaking follows a traditional Bordeaux path of temperature-controlled fermentation and élevage in French oak to build texture without overwhelming the wine’s terroir signature. That combination of boutique scale, disciplined craftsmanship, and a polished yet site-transparent style makes Chérubin especially appealing for drinkers seeking an artisanal Right Bank red.