At a glance

Producer

Château du Retout

Region

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-28 (USD) per bottle, ex-cellar; $25-35 retail

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cherry, plum, violets, graphite, touch of cedar; youthful, energetic frame.

Evolution: Will develop more tobacco, earth, dried herb, and leather notes over time; tannins will soften.

At peak: Supple, harmonious Bordeaux with classic left-bank structure and tertiary bouquet.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; supports aging and freshness.

Tannins

Medium to firm, polished, will integrate further with age.

Alcohol

13.5%-14% ABV (typical for vintage and producer)

Aging potential

Solid: 8-15 years from vintage, potentially longer in optimal cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2039

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, tannic but balanced; developing secondary complexity in bottle.

Structured Haut-Médoc wines from quality estates like Château du Retout show best complexity and balance after 6-10 years, with tertiary evolution enhancing fruit. The 2022 vintage, warm and ripe, has approachability but will benefit from 3-5 years bottle age before hitting its peak window.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck breast, hard cheeses, mushroom dishes; classic pairings with Bordeaux-style blends.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to firm tannins that will benefit from aeration, allowing the flavors to open up and integrate further.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Significant biodiversity efforts (hedgerows, beehives, sheep), cover crops, minimal chemical intervention, selective handpicking, solar panel use, lightweight bottles to reduce glass footprint.

Château du Retout is committed to sustainability through recognized HVE Level 3 status, emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, and minimized environmental impact in the vineyard. They use renewable energy (solar), champion cover cropping and pollinator support, and employ eco-conscious packaging (lighter bottles). While not fully organic or biodynamic, and with some carbon impact from export, their practices are above conventional Bordeaux norms, warranting a strong sustainability rating for the region.