Chateau Lyonnat, Lussac-Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France 2016

Description

A clear garnet-red colour and very aromatic bouquet expressing blackberry, blackcurrant, raspberry and spicy notes, already promise elegant pleasure. Its great maturity is complemented by very beautiful fine and silky tannins and a plenteous freshness. The palate follows through into a impressively long aftertaste, with plenty of volume.

Winery Notes

The history of Lyonnat began in 1137, when the Cistercian order founded the Abbey of Faize. The abbey played an important role in developing the Libourne wine region, particularly since its wines were consumed at the British royal court. The cross overlooking the estate’s most beautiful slopes stands as a testimony to the role of the abbey in the creation of Lyonnat. At the time, the property was known as Léonat, from the Latin « Leo », Lion, and « Nat », birth. Over the years, the name changed to « Lionat » and then to « Lyonnat ». Château Lyonnat still belonged to the abbey in 1615 and the Drivet family lived there as tenant farmers. The estate extended over more than 180 hectares, which explains the immense size of the cellars and outhouses. The greater part of the wine production was destined for the Vatican. Abbot Montesquieu died in 1720 and, in accordance with his will, the Lyonnat estate went to the Drivet family. The family owned the estate for many generations, until it was purchased by the Baudou family, and in 1961, Damase and Jean Milhade acquired Château Lyonnat along with its estate. The word « Château » was not used for Bordeaux wines until the 19th century, when it replaced the word « Cru ». In the case of Château Lyonnat, the imposing central building was constructed in the 19th century to reflect this new notion of Château, as were many Châteaux in the Médoc appellation. The Milhade family are the current owners of the Lyonnat estate and still live in the Château today.