Passers-by, you are entering the ancient and celebrated cru of Saint-Julien; pay your respects!
Motto of the commune of Saint-Julien-de-Beychevelle
The Saint-Julien appellation is one of the four communal appellations of the Médoc, alongside Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe.
The most famous estates of Saint-Julien include names such as Château Léoville-Las Cases, Château Léoville-Poyferré, Château Léoville-Barton, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Gruaud-Larose and many others. Today I’m telling you about an estate less in the spotlight than these grands crus: Château Moulin de la Rose.
Since 1971, Guy Delon — together with his children Jean-François and Guylène, the first in the vines, the second handling the commercial side — has worked to produce an exceptional wine, and the result is sublime for this Lord of Saint-Julien.
You look at it, and quickly a lovely deep red with lighter, almost chocolatey edges appears as you swirl it.
The robe is highly nuanced; this brownish red is a warning: careful, you’d better get ready — we already sense it, we’ve got something good here!
On the nose it plays hide-and-seek. You have to hunt for the fruit — redcurrant, then vanilla — but leather and wood are ever-present. It nonetheless keeps a very steady balance; it won’t come and prickle your nose.
It’s confirmed: this wine is good — and yet we haven’t even tasted it.
After smelling and observing it, you feel this wine is extremely carefully crafted, every detail counts; no doubt the team is meticulous. I almost want to stop there, hardly daring to taste it for fear my eyes and nose might disappoint me.
Still, it’s hard to tell my host, “I won’t taste it!”.
On the palate, quickly it’s wood, wood and more wood… the tannins aren’t all that powerful but enough to remind us of its origin, typical of the great Médocs of Saint-Julien; the balance is striking and then, at last, the second curtain reveals the fruit.
The length begins with a little spike that reveals the wine’s maturity; it will be present and long.
Yes, it’s good, it’s very very good. The value for money is exceptional: at a price of around €30, it gives you access to an exceptional Saint-Julien! This 2017 is perfectly ready to drink and will surprise the most demanding guests. Don’t hesitate to pair this wine with a fine red meat, or poultry in sauce. No time? No problem — a nice pizza will do the trick.