"The beautiful landscape and the unique character of the wine were a source of inspiration for the great painter Odilon Redon”.
Château Peyre-Lebade has a rich history that is graced by several illustrious figures. There are records dating back to the twelfth century of vines being grown on the site by the Cistercian monks at the Abbey of Vertheuil. The great painter Odile Redon lived and painted many of his most famous works at the property, which provide a wonderful reflection of the site's charm. By 1979, the property had fallen into a state of disrepair and was acquired by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, who already owned the neighbouring properties of Château Clarke and Château Malmaison, located in Listrac and Moulis, respectively. Chateau Peyre-Lebade is now an integral part of the properties belonging to Edmond's son, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) handles the marketing of the wines.
The 55 hectare vineyard is planted with Merlot (64%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Cabernet Franc (12%). The soil consists of limestone and well-drained clay-limestone. The property's name almost certainly comes from this limestone-rich geology. Peyre-Lebade means "pierre levée" or "raised stone", and there is an old limestone quarry on the site that probably served to provide limestone for the construction of the neighbouring villages.
The 55 hectare vineyard is planted with Merlot (64%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Cabernet Franc (12%). The soil consists of limestone and well-drained clay-limestone. The property's name almost certainly comes from this limestone-rich geology. Peyre-Lebade means "pierre levée" or "raised stone", and there is an old limestone quarry on the site that probably served to provide limestone for the construction of the neighbouring villages.
Presentation
Château Peyre-Lebade wines feature the fruity and fleshy characteristics specific to the Haut-Médoc appellation. They are nonetheless distinguished by the high Merlot content, which makes them particularly supple
The vintage
A rather cool spring, with a lot of rain, especially in May and June, slowed the start of the vines' growth cycle and produced a delicate flowering with light, not very numerous clusters. Much hotter, drier weather arrived in July and August. However, the grapes still ripened somewhat later than usual due to the oceanic climate in September. The harvests did not start until October. Rigorous plot selection and careful sorting of the grapes enabled the achievement of a very satisfactory level of quality. The yield of 30hl/ha was the property's lowest since the frosts in 1991.
Varietals
Merlot : 70%
Cabernet sauvignon : 30%
Cabernet sauvignon : 30%
Tasting
Colour: Beautiful crimson colour, tinged with dark purple.
Nose: Very fresh notes of red fruit (plums, blackcurrants and cherries), with a floral nuance of violets, and a delicately woody hint of caramel, vanilla and liquorice.
Palate: The attack is fresh, the palate is then quite soft, with a rather light tannic structure and very good, well-defined, persistent fruit on the finish. Keep for: This vintage has a moderate potential to age of around 6 years, it can be enjoyed while still young from 2015-2016 onwards.
Nose: Very fresh notes of red fruit (plums, blackcurrants and cherries), with a floral nuance of violets, and a delicately woody hint of caramel, vanilla and liquorice.
Palate: The attack is fresh, the palate is then quite soft, with a rather light tannic structure and very good, well-defined, persistent fruit on the finish. Keep for: This vintage has a moderate potential to age of around 6 years, it can be enjoyed while still young from 2015-2016 onwards.