Château Berliquet 2018

Nestled in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Berliquet is one of the oldest estates located on the limestone plateau just outside the town, right next to Château Canon (see map below).  In the past decade, both properties were bought by the fashion house, Chanel, to form its wine portfolio.  The other famous name also owned by Chanel is the Left Bank property, Château Ranzan-Ségla.

In recent years, under the watchful management of the talented winemaking team headed by estate director Nicolas Audebert, all three wine estates have achieved the highest quality and recognition in their respective histories. Before assuming the role at the Chanel wine estates, Nicolas Audebert worked at Moët & Chandon, Krug, and Veuve Clicquot champagne houses. He then headed winemaking at Cheval des Andes in Argentina, the joint venture project between Château Chavel Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes.

Château Berliquet is a symbol of elegance and tradition. Its vineyards, covering 9 hectares, are strategically located on the renowned clay-limestone plateau, enjoying an ideal south-facing exposure that captures the essence of the region's terroir. This historic estate has a rich heritage dating back centuries, contributing to its esteemed reputation.

Under the dedicated ownership of the Chanel Group since 2017, Château Berliquet has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Chanel fashion house, known for its commitment to craftsmanship and luxury, has brought its visionary approach to the estate. With meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the estate's legacy, they have reinvigorated the vineyards and implemented sustainable viticultural practices.

At the helm of Château Berliquet, the talented team led by estate director Nicolas Audebert has embraced a philosophy combining tradition and innovation. He is also the head of nearby Château Canon. By working closely with the land, they strive to create wines that express the vineyard's unique character while pushing the boundaries of excellence. Collaborations with renowned oenologists and state-of-the-art winemaking techniques have further elevated the quality and finesse of the wines.

As a testament to the estate's evolution, Château Berliquet proudly unveils its new visual identity, capturing the essence of its rich heritage and embracing a modern aesthetic. The label reflects the timeless elegance and sophistication of the estate's wines. This visual transformation symbolizes the estate's commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to its roots.

With each vintage, Château Berliquet showcases the unique expression of its terroir, offering a sensory journey that captures the essence of Saint-Émilion. The wines, characterized by their finesse, balance, and complexity, captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide. As Château Berliquet continues to write its story, it remains a beacon of excellence, perpetuating the legacy of this esteemed estate and cementing its place among the finest wines of Saint-Émilion.

''This was really Nicolas Audebert’s first vintage at Berliquet, since the property was acquired by Chanel in the autumn of 2017. The most significant, immediate change from 2018 came from noticing that blocks of the vineyard had Merlot and Cabernet Franc interplanted. These used to be harvested together. This year the different cultivars were flagged and harvested separately so as to achieve optimal ripeness for both varieties. The 2018 Berliquet is blended of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc and has 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with bold kirsch, blueberry compote and Black Forest cake with touches of cloves, lavender, menthol and lilacs. Medium to full-bodied and elegant, with lovely freshness lifting the densely packed blue and black fruit flavors, it has a velvety texture and long, earthy finish.'' - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (04/23/2019), Ratings: 93-95

"Vibrant damson in colour. I love the deep creaminess that is evident from the first nose, with hints of cocoa and gunsmoke. There is more clay here than at Canon; about 50% of the vineyard has a clay layer over the limestone whereas at Canon it is closer to 10%, meaning Berliquet is less ethereal, more urgent and powerful, still with precision and feathery chalky tannins. They have restored the underground limestone cellars for barrel ageing. A yield of 45hl/ha. 45% new oak, for what is the 2nd full year of the Canon team working the vineyard. Thomas Duclos consultant." - Jane Anson, Decanter (June, 2020), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2026-2042