Chateau Castera, Medoc, France

Rising from the historic Médoc commune of Saint-Germain d’Estreuil, the 1982 Château Castera Cru Bourgeois carries both the legacy of its 14th-century fortress origins and the refinement of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated vintages. This rare wine combines the richness of Merlot with the structure of Cabernet varieties, delivering a mature expression of balance and depth.

Product Details:

• Varietal Composition: 65% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Soil: Chalk-clay mixed with gravel
• Viticulture: Conventional
• Oenologist: Eric Boissenot
• Alcohol: Not specified (approx. 12.5–13%)

Sensory Description:

Initially crimson in youth, this 1982 vintage has matured into a refined brick-red hue. On the nose, it reveals an evolved bouquet of prune, black cherry, dried herbs, and vanilla. The palate reflects its age with softened tannins and layered flavors of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and cedar. A gentle acidity keeps the wine lively, while its mellow texture underscores the harmony between fruit, oak, and time. The long, graceful finish shows both maturity and elegance, making it a fine example of well-aged Médoc.

Winemaker's Background:

Château Castera’s origins date back to the 14th century, when it stood as a military fortress before becoming a wine estate. Today, under the ownership of Deugros, the property has been extensively renovated, with a state-of-the-art vat room and a 900-barrel cellar renewed annually. Combining modern precision with traditional winemaking, Castera has established a reputation for supple, Merlot-driven wines that showcase the unique character of the Médoc’s clay and gravel soils.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16 °C after 30 minutes of decanting. This mature Bordeaux pairs beautifully with classic dishes such as canard aux navets (duck with turnips), côte de boeuf aux cèpes (rib of beef with porcini mushrooms), or axoa de veau (Basque veal stew). Its mellow tannins and evolved flavors also complement roasted lamb or aged cheeses, offering a rich and memorable dining experience.

The 1982 Château Castera is a testament to the greatness of Bordeaux’s historic vintages, mature, elegant, and deeply rooted in both terroir and tradition, it remains a benchmark Cru Bourgeois of the Médoc.