Le Doyenné has a lovely nose of ripe black fruit and spices. Richly-textured on the palate with intense black cherry, plum and cassis flavours. Very expressive and well balanced
"Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux with a difference! This superb effort is a rich, medium-bodied Merlot-based (70%) blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc making the difference. Richly fruited, with thick, lush texture and sweet aromas of black cherry, dried herbs coating the palate."
"Showing a little more tannic than it was prior to bottling, this blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is one of the consistently well-made over-achievers in Bordeaux. There are some nice underbrush and loamy soil notes intermixed with red and black cherries as well as currants in this medium-bodied, elegant wine, but it still has some tannins to resolve."- Robert Parker - Reviewed by: The Wine Advocate - 87pts
CHÂTEAU LE DOYENNÉ, Saint-Caprais de Bordeaux
Records dating as far back as 1791 mention the existence of Château Le Doyenné which was purchased in 1994 by Jean and Marie-Dominique Watrin. With “flying-winemaker” Michel Rolland acting as consultant, they undertook a complete restructuration of the vineyard and renovation of the winery. The 13 hectares of the estate, located on the right bank of the Garonne, 15 km from Bordeaux, are in the heart of the “Premières Côtes de Bordeaux” appellation.
The proximity of the river plays an essential part in the climatic balance necessary for vine growing. The south-south-west exposure ensures a maximum amount of sunshine.
The vineyard is made of 11 plots covering gravel plateaux and clay and limestone hillsides with vines averaging 30 years. The blend is usually Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Cabernet Franc (10%)