Château Boutisse Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020 is a rich, elegant Bordeaux red wine from the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. Predominantly Merlot, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carménère, it combines generous ripe fruit with the structure and complexity of carefully managed oak maturation. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, deep red fruits, cedar and dark chocolate lead to a smooth, velvety palate, where mocha, toasted spice and caramel notes complement well-integrated tannins and a long, refined finish.
 
Château Boutisse has been owned by the Milhade family since 1996, when winemaker and oenologist Xavier Milhade acquired the estate. The family has been involved in winemaking in the Libournais region since 1938, and today the château is managed by Xavier's children, Elodie and Marc Milhade. Located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, the estate has benefited from substantial investment in its vineyards and winemaking facilities. Château Boutisse achieved High Environmental Value Level 3 (HVE3) certification in 2017 and was promoted to Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé status in the 2022 classification.
 
The estate's 25 hectares of vineyards extend across the limestone plateau and surrounding slopes, close to one of the highest points of the Saint-Émilion appellation. Beneath the chalky clay topsoil lies a substantial limestone formation that helps regulate water availability to the vines, encouraging balanced ripening and concentrated fruit. The vines average 35 years of age and are cultivated using double Guyot training, careful leaf removal and green harvesting to manage yields. Environmental management is central to the estate's approach, with cover crops and natural green manures used to support soil health and biodiversity. The grapes are harvested by hand.
 
The 2020 blend comprises 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Carménère. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel, with cold soaking followed by traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete tanks. A proportion of the fruit is fermented in 500-litre oak barrels, while malolactic conversion takes place in new oak. The wine is subsequently aged on its fine lees in French oak barrels for 12 to 15 months, developing additional texture and complexity while retaining its ripe fruit character.
 
The result is a full-flavoured Saint-Émilion with the richness expected of a Merlot-led Bordeaux, balanced by fine tannins and an elegant finish. Château Boutisse 2020 offers a compelling combination of dark fruit, savoury complexity and polished oak influence, making it a rewarding choice for those who enjoy structured, generously styled Right Bank Bordeaux.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Intense aromas of ripe red fruits and blackcurrant, complemented by cedar, dark chocolate and sweet toasted spice.
Palate: Rich, smooth and velvety, with ripe fruit, mocha, caramel and toasted notes layered over well-integrated tannins.
Finish: Long and refined, with lingering dark fruit, gentle spice and oak-influenced complexity.
 
Serving Recommendation & Food Pairing
 
Serve at approximately 16–18°C in a generous Bordeaux wine glass. Allowing the wine some time in the glass will help reveal its layers of ripe fruit, toasted spice and savoury complexity. Gentle decanting may also be beneficial, particularly if sediment is present.
 
The wine's rich fruit, velvety tannins and oak-influenced character make it an excellent partner for roast beef, rack of lamb, duck and slow-cooked meat dishes. It would also work well with grilled steak, mushroom-based recipes, rich savoury sauces and mature hard cheeses.
 
For a classic Bordeaux pairing, serve alongside roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, or beef fillet with a mushroom and red wine sauce.