Chateau Linot is perhaps a misnomer as there is no actual chateau. What there is is a small one and half acre of vines carefully cultivated in the heart of the Saint Estephe appallation, west of Cos D'Estournel and just north of Cos Labory, inherited by Yohan Juste, an award winning wood craftsman turned winemaker. Yohan's experiencing working at such properties as Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Montrose and Chateau Soutard placed him in good stead for success as a winemaker. And indeed Chateau Linot has achieved the Cru Artisan designation due to his focus and care. The Cru Artisan is awarded to small and medium-sized independent farms, where the head of the farm actually participates in the management of his vineyard, produces AOC wines and markets his bottled production.

Many of the vines a are 50 years or older. Farmed without weedkiller and worked by hand.70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot the wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged one year in oak barrels. We were very lucky get our hands on this gem from the outstanding 2015 vintage with just enough bottle age to make the wine truly sing.

On the nose, we find an intense bouquet of black fruits enhanced by a hint of oak. A clean attack, smooth and silky tannins drape the palate and the finish is harmonious, rich and lingering. Don't miss it!