2010 Couvent des Jacobins St. Emilion Grand Cru

Overview: Couvent des Jacobins is situated right in the center of the picturesque, Saint Emilion village. The actual chateau is located on the site of an ancient, 13th century Dominican monastery. The Dominican part of the name comes from Saint Dominic de Guzman. The estate takes its name from the order of Friars and preachers that were responsible for the Dominican monastery, Freres Precheurs Jacobin.

The modern era for Couvent des Jacobins begins in 1902 when the property was purchased by Jean Jean. At the time, the Jean family also owned Chateau Trimoulet. Couvent des Jacobins remains a true, family owned vineyard. The current owner and manager of Couvent des Jacobins, Rose Noelle Brode, is a direct descendant of Jean Jean, the estates founder.

Couvent des Jacobins Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking The 11 hectare Right Bank vineyard of Couvent des Jacobins is planted to 75% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. This marks a change in the plantings here, with an increase in the amount of Cabernet Franc as well as the addition of Petit Verdot, which was used in the blend for the first time in 2014.

They have vines planted in three different sectors of St. Emilion, giving the estate a mix of terroirs that consist of mostly, sand, clay and some limestone in their soils. Those three main blocks are further separated into 69 different parcels of vines. This makes farming difficult here, because the parcels are in quite a diverse array of terroirs.

The vineyard blocks are located close to Chateau Grand Mayne, Chateau Laroze and they also have vines planted not far from the town of Libourne, close to the train station. They have old vines, many of which are close to 45 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 7,000 vines per hectare. Starting in 2015, the estate moved to 100% organic farming methods. They were certified organic by Ecocert starting with the 2020 vintage.

To produce the wine of Couvent des Jacobins, vinification takes place in traditional, temperature controlled, cement tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak barrels for a portion of the wine and remainder occurs in vat. The wine is aged in an average of 50% new, French oak barrels for between 12 to 15 months prior to bottling.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "The 2010 Couvent des Jacobins is a stunning showing, delivering aromas and flavors of blackberries and dark cherries followed by, tar and exotic spices. The wine is full and the velvety tannins that are well integrated. The finish is long and supple with dark fruits, tar and spices leaving a lasting impression. This will need from some additional bottle age. (Best 2016-2028)"


Decanter - "Nose fresh but a little reserved, with a graphitemineral, dark fruit nuance. Rich and firm on the palate, it’s opulent and forthright, but has some backbone, too, as well as good acidity on the finish to give persistence and flair. Drinking Window 2016 - 2032"


Wine Spectator - "Ripe, with lush raspberry ganache, boysenberry coulis and roasted plum fruit at the core, wrapped with smoldering charcoal and licorice snap notes. Cuts a broad swath on the finish."

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