At a glance

Producer

H. Cuvelier & Fils

Region

Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, possibly with Cabernet Franc and others)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$12-18 USD

Tasting profile

Red cherry, plum, and blackberry with hints of cedar, graphite, and subtle earthy undertones. Soft tannins, balanced acidity, smooth finish.

Evolution: Fruit shifting from fresh to more dried/compote notes, tertiary flavors of leather and forest floor emerging.

At peak: Elegant balance of fruit and secondary flavors, offering both freshness and complexity typical of well-made Bordeaux at this maturity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Moderate and softening, now integrated

Alcohol

13-13.5%

Aging potential

Suited for early to mid-term aging; up to 10-12 years from vintage in good storage conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2039

Optimal window

2020 to 2042

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

At maturity with developed secondary notes; tannins now fully resolved, freshness still present

As a classic, well-made Bordeaux supérieur from a reputable négoce house, the wine shows its full personality between 7-11 years from vintage, with Merlot’s early charm and Cabernet’s backbone melding. 2015 was a warm vintage, adding plushness and length. Not designed for extreme aging, but excellent in its category.

Food pairing

Roast chicken, duck breast, grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego or Comté cheese.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — A short decant helps open up tertiary aromatics and integrate any remaining structure.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 4/10

Typical of merchant Bordeaux négociant: conventional farming with some adoption of sustainable practices (reduced chemical inputs, soil management). Producer is not widely recognized for environmental leadership or eco-labels.

H. Cuvelier & Fils is a traditional Bordeaux merchant without formal certifications for sustainability or organic practices. While some vineyards across Bordeaux have adopted greener approaches, this particular label is not certified and follows mainstream production, with average environmental impact for its category. No innovative energy, packaging, or carbon-reduction initiatives documented. Locally produced and consumed in France has lowest footprint; exported bottles have higher carbon footprint due to shipping. Overall sustainability profile is average for larger-scale Bordeaux négociants.