Matured in 15% new oak, 10% in large clay jars and the rest in one or two wine barrels, the 2020 Vieux Château Saint André delivers aromas of graphite, licorice and dark berries with an elegant earthy note. A bit firm and austere, the wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate with both structuring and powdery tannins as well as controlled power. A period in the cellar (4 to 10 years) will allow it to blossom.
Acquired by Jean-Claude Berrouet in 1985, Vieux Château Saint André comprises 22 hectares of vineyards at one of the highest points in Montagne Saint-Émilion (120 metres above sea level). The domaine is now run by one of his sons, Jeff Berrouet, but also benefits from the accumulated savoir-faire of Jean-Claude. Producing impressively deep wines with rich structuring tannins, this domaine is managed traditionally, with cuvaison periods of 15–20 days, aging with 15% new oak and 15% jars and the rest in barrels. Although a little austere in their youth, the wines blossom with some time in the cellar. The Berrouet family also owns Château Bonneau in Montagne, Château Hyon la Fleur in Saint-Émilion and Château Samion in Lalande-de-Pomerol.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92