At a glance

Producer

Les Cadrans de L'Assègue

Region

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-38

Tasting profile

Aromas of ripe black cherry, red plum, baking spices, violet, subtle cedar and soft vanilla oak. Medium+ body, supple mouthfeel, young fruit at the forefront.

Evolution: Tannins soften, spice and tobacco nuances develop, fruit integrates with earthier notes. Acidity holds freshness through 2028.

At peak: Best balance of fruit, structure, and emerging complexity between 2026-2029.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate (fresh, supports medium-term cellaring)

Tannins

Medium, ripe, fine-grained, approachable

Alcohol

Medium (13.5%-14.5%)

Aging potential

Drink 2025-2030; may hold through 2032 in excellent cellars but not intended for long aging.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2039

Optimal window

2025 to 2042

Current status

Young, primary, suitable for enjoyment now after a brief decant; will benefit from short to mid-term aging.

Current condition

Bright, fruit-driven, with polished structure and accessible tannins; will integrate further with 1-3 years cellaring.

This is a second or satellite wine of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, typically designed for earlier enjoyment compared to classified growths. 2022 is a ripe, approachable vintage, and wines at this level generally show best within 4-8 years from vintage. Premium fruit and Grand Cru terroir offer some cellarability, but structure is tailored for mid-term rather than long-term aging.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, duck breast, beef medallions, mushroom risotto, hard cheeses, grilled vegetables with herbs.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Opens bouquet, softens tannins and integrates primary fruit flavors; releases mild oak influence.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Conventional vineyard management; producer is not listed among Bordeaux estates with publicized environmental or organic/biodynamic certification. No overt practices in energy conservation or eco-packaging are public; likely uses standard vineyard management and winemaking typical for non-premium right bank Bordeaux estates.

This estate does not publicize significant sustainability initiatives; neither organic nor HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certified as per French registries in 2024. Conventional farming is likely, with some environmentally aware practices common regionally, but not externally verified. Carbon footprint is average for French exports. No environmental certifications were evident on label or in trade data. Overall sustainability is moderate-low but typical for the tier.