At a glance

Producer

Château Soujeans

Region

Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (primarily Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$28

Tasting profile

Supple red and black fruits (plum, cherry, blackberry), notes of cedar, dried herbs, subtle oak. Secondary notes emerging: tobacco leaf, earthy undertones, slight leather.

Evolution: Fruit intensity softens, more savory and earthy character, some tertiary bouquet (mushroom, truffle) possible with further aging.

At peak: Softened but vibrant fruit, resolved tannins, elegant integration; should retain balance and drink harmoniously at peak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained

Alcohol

13%-13.5% ABV (typical for region and vintage)

Aging potential

Good for its class, but not for long-term aging past 12 years.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2025

Optimal window

2019 to 2027

Current status

Optimal drinking window now; can age a few more years.

Current condition

The wine is expected to be drinking well, with maturity of tannins and tertiary development; it's not expected to improve significantly but should hold on good storage for a few more years.

2015 was a very good Bordeaux vintage with ripe tannins and good balance. This Moulis-en-Médoc, while not a classified growth, possesses enough structure to develop complexity over 8-12 years. It is currently at or near its best, with continued enjoyment possible for several more years. Beyond 2028, the wine may decline as fruit fades and tertiary notes dominate.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roast duck, grilled lamb chops, beef stew, mushroom risotto, hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda).

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — To open up fruit aromas and soften any remaining tannin edge.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 4/10

Conventional Bordeaux farming; no documented advanced sustainability practices; possible limited use of integrated pest management as is common in Bordeaux.

Château Soujeans is a smaller, traditional Bordeaux estate without official recognition for organic or sustainable agriculture as of the 2015 vintage. Standard practices for the region mean likely use of some chemical sprays, conventional energy use, and typical packaging. There is no public data showing adoption of sustainability-focused initiatives (such as conversion to organic farming, renewable energy use, or significant carbon reduction efforts). Shipping to non-European markets increases footprint. Overall, its sustainability profile is below average compared to more progressive Bordeaux châteaux.