Chateau Lyonnat Red Blend, Lussac-Saint-Emilion, France

Black cherry, red fruit, licorice, and warm spice open with depth and measured richness. 2018 Château Lyonnat is a Merlot-led Lussac-Saint-Émilion shaped by concrete fermentation, extended maceration, and a measured combination of French oak and concrete aging. The wine reflects the Milhade family's stewardship of Château Lyonnat since 1961 and its continued focus on structured, classically proportioned Right Bank Bordeaux.

Product Details:

• Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
• Blend: 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
• Vineyard Source: Approximately 30 hectares dedicated to the Château Lyonnat cuvée
• Soil: Clay-limestone
• Harvest Method: Grapes selected at maturity, followed by sorting at the cellar
• Harvest Period: Three weeks during October
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled concrete vats with short, frequent pumpovers
• Maceration: Extended maceration for tannin extraction
• Aging: 12 months, with 50% aged in French oak barrels and the balance in concrete vats
• ABV: 13.5%
• Production: Approximately 140,000 bottles of the principal Château Lyonnat cuvée

Sensory Description:

Deep ruby with cherry-toned reflections, the wine opens with red fruit, ginger, licorice, and vanilla. The palate develops from candied cherry into licorice and a lifted mint note, framed by powerful but rounded tannins. The Merlot majority gives the wine breadth and ripe fruit, while its Cabernet components and extended maceration contribute structure and grip. The 2018 vintage brings notable concentration, balanced by enough freshness to keep the finish composed and persistent.

Awards & Accolades:

• Score: James Suckling 92 Points
• Score: Wine Enthusiast 90 Points, 2021

Winemaker's Background:

Château Lyonnat has a documented history extending back to the early seventeenth century and is today one of the largest estates in Lussac-Saint-Émilion. The Milhade family acquired the property in 1961 and has developed it around a substantial contiguous vineyard holding, including a prominent limestone sector with south and southeast exposure. Gérard and Brigitte Milhade have been closely associated with the management and vinification of the estate, while Hubert de Boüard joined the technical team as a consultant in 2008. In the cellar, Château Lyonnat makes extensive use of concrete vats of varying capacities, allowing parcels to be vinified and selected with precision before blending.

Serving Suggestions:

Decant and serve at approximately 16 degrees Celsius in a Bordeaux-style glass to give the fruit, licorice, and structured tannins room to develop. Pair with roast or grilled beef, lamb, braised meats, mushroom dishes, or firm aged cheeses.