The Bouey family has been in the Médoc region of Bordeaux for over 200 years. But they are not vineyard owners, rather, vineyard caretakers, tending to the vines of their seven chateaux in a way that preserves them for future generations. They’ve operated this way for years and show no signs of altering their approach. The resultant wine and health of the vines speak for themselves. In fact, they are one of the last family-owned wine trading companies left in Bordeaux. The historical heritage of the property is rich in symbolism, with an Eighteenth Century tower that is a Historic Landmark. Patrick Bouey named the property Chateau La France as a tribute to his family’s winemaking history.

Respect for the environment is just as important to Famille Bouey as the respect for heritage and crafting delicious wines. All seven of the Famille Bouey estates are farmed to ISO 140001 standards and have obtained the High Environmental Value (HVE) label, which is the most highly regarded and rigorous label given to farms and agriculture. Sulfites are kept to a minimum in the wine and no chemicals are used to treat, feed or tend to the vines. Vineyard biodiversity is honored and encouraged.

The deep garnet-purple colors of the 2018 vintage are immediately eye-catching. The nose offers up aromas of black plums, fresh black currants and mulberries, plus hints of tobacco, wild sage and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich and laden with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, grainy texture and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.

Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc