At a glance

Producer

Château d’Ercole

Region

St. Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend (primarily Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$38-$60 USD (retail range as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Rich dark fruits (plum, black cherry), subtle floral, graphite, tobacco, integrated oak, gentle spice.

Evolution: Will develop more leather, earthy, and truffle notes over next 4-6 years.

At peak: Supple texture, complex secondary aromas, harmonious fruit and savory notes, balanced finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high acidity providing freshness and structure.

Tannins

Medium-firm, polished tannins typical of right-bank Bordeaux.

Alcohol

13.5% - 14% ABV (typical for region and vintage).

Aging potential

Good aging potential—9-12 years from vintage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2044

Optimal window

2023 to 2047

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Young, balanced, with primary and some developing tertiary notes.

St. Émilion Grand Cru 2018s are structured and age-worthy, slightly plush due to the warm vintage; optimal balance of fruit, tertiary complexity, and integrated structure anticipated between 2026-2029.

Food pairing

Excellent with lamb, duck, roast beef, hard cheeses, and mushroom-centric dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium-firm tannins and is at a stage where it can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Producer follows traditional right-bank viticulture with integrated pest management, but no advanced sustainability practices (e.g., solar, water reuse, lightweight glass) are documented publicly.

Château d’Ercole is representative of many small-to-mid-sized Grand Cru producers that employ reasonable environmental stewardship but lack high-profile certifications or documented emissions reductions. Vineyard is likely managed with some sustainable practices common in the region (soil management, canopy control, hand harvesting), but use of standard materials and packaging and absence of third-party certifications caps the sustainability score in the middle range. For France/EU consumers, carbon impact is modest; for exports, shipping and bottle weight increase impact. Continued steps (certification, regenerative practices, eco-packaging) could improve future scores.