Château PETIT GRAVET AÎNÉ
Grand cru

An oenologist by training, Ms. Papon-Nouvel owns two tiny properties at the bottom of Saint-Émilion near Canon-La Gaffelière: Petit Gravet Aîné (2.4 ha) and Clos Saint-Julien (1.3 ha), where the vines are mainly old cabernets francs. From the vine to the cellar, she manages all the stages in the production of her wines on her own and, whatever the vintage, her talent as an instinctive winemaker gives wines of natural elegance and exemplary sweetness.

Vinous (A. Galloni): 91-93/100 "The 2024 Petit Gravet Ainé, mostly Cabernet Franc, is so distinctive. Mocha, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and macerated cherry lift the bouquet nicely. The 2024 is a bit strict on the palate, but that may change with élevage. This is very nicely done, if a touch reticent."

Bettane & Desseauve : 91-92/100 « Grande fraîcheur aromatique de l’attaque à la finale, donnant du tonus à la bouche élancée et subtile. »

J-M Quarin : 89/100 « Couleur sombre et intense. Nez un peu discret, sentant bon les fruits mûrs. Touche florale. Juteux à l'attaque, savoureux en milieu de bouche, le vin se développe aromatique et très agréable sur une longueur moyenne, mais avec beaucoup de goût. »

Vinous (N. Martin): 87-89/100 "The 2024 Petit Gravet Ainé has a straightforward bouquet with kirsch and blueberry scents that gradually reveal a touch of cola. It just misses some complexity compared to previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, lightly tannic and fleshly but doesn't have much grip. Though smooth in texture, it doesn't quite translate its 90% Cabernet Franc as well as, say, the 2022."