Mahler-Besse Saint-Emilion Cheval Noir 2013 Red Wine

Saint-Émilion wines have a rich, mouth-drying tannic structure that is balanced by the more juicy characteristics of plum and black cherry fruit, as well as chocolate and sweet spice, and develop savoury tobacco and cedar characteristics with age.

The St-Émilion appellation, along with its neighbouring village of Pomerol, are quality leaders on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, distinguished by its historic fortified village—perhaps the prettiest in all of Bordeaux. These Merlot-dominant red wines (with varying amounts of Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon) remain among the world’s most admired and collected.

St-Émilion has the longest wine production history in Bordeaux, dating back to an 8th century monk named Saint Émilion who became a hermit in one of the many limestone caves scattered throughout the area.

Today, St-Émilion is made up of hundreds of independent farmers who are all passionate about growing Merlot and Cabernet Franc (and tiny amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon). While the wines of St-Émilion are always roughly the same blend, they vary significantly depending on the soil on which they are grown—and the soils vary significantly throughout the region.

The most prestigious chateaux (Premier Grand Cru Classés) are located on gravelly soils or steep clay-limestone hillsides. There are only four Premier Grand Cru Classés A (Chateau Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Angélus, and Pavie) and 14 Premier Grand Cru Classés B. The majority of the remaining vineyards in the appellation are on flatter land with soils that are a mix of gravel, sand, and clay.

Great St-Émilion wines will be dark in colour and may have notes of blackberry liqueur, black raspberry, licorice, chocolate, grilled meat, earth, or truffles. They’ll be vibrant, layered, and lush.

• Region: France
• Style: Red Wine
• Size: 750mL
• Alcohol: 12.5%