At a glance

Producer

Château Pipeau

Region

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot dominant blend (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30 - $45

Tasting profile

Red and black fruits (black cherry, plum), hints of chocolate and earth, subtle oak spice, smooth mouthfeel

Evolution: Fruit notes will integrate with tertiary aromas like leather, tobacco, and truffle developing over the next decade

At peak: Complex layers of dark fruit, cedar, earth, and refined tannins at fullness

Structure

Acidity

Moderate bright acidity adequate for aging

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, velvety yet firm

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

15-20 years with cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2047

Optimal window

2028 to 2050

Current status

Still youthful and developing; optimal drinking approaching

Current condition

Tannins are present but well-integrated, fruit is vibrant and structured.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from an excellent 2022 vintage shows ripe fruit balanced with structured tannins and good acidity, signaling a long and rewarding aging curve typical of premium Bordeaux Merlot blends.

Food pairing

Roasted lamb, duck with berry sauce, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromas to emerge

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Use of cover crops, limited synthetic inputs, and water-efficient irrigation monitored via soil sensors

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Château Pipeau demonstrates several sustainable vineyard practices such as soil conservation and water management. Packaging uses standard Bordeaux bottles with lightweight glass reductions. There is opportunity to improve transparency on energy use and carbon emissions.