Chateau Clos des Jacobins

Saint Emilion

Location: Clos des Jacobins is situated on the road from St. Emilion to Libourne, near the Chateaux of Grand-Pontet and Figeac. This is the 'Cotes' region of Saint Emilion. (Appellation Saint Emilion Controlée)

20 acres producing 3,500 acres.

Classification: Grand Cru Classe of Saint Emilion in 1969

Grape variety: 47% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Average age of vines is 30 to 32 years.

Vinification and aging: Fermented in glazed vats. Aged for 18-20 months in oak barrels, of which one-third are replaced every year. The wine is clarified with fresh egg white and is filtered just before bottling to remove the last impurities.

History: Popular history links this chateau to the French Revolution. Bought in 1964 and renovated by Jean Georges Cordier, Clos des Jacobins, along with the other Cordier estates, has been an elegant and worthy ambassador of the appellation from which it springs.

Evaluation: Should be upgraded to a Premier Grand Cru. A great value.

Style: A very consistent wine that is deeply colored, rich, round, creamy and plumy with lots of ripe fruit.

Food: Lamb, veal and other red meats. Also mildly aromatic cheeses.