Item Number: 6876 UPC: 0714153128800

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux Sub Region: Bordeaux
Appellation/AVA: Bordeaux AOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 50% Merlot / 25% Cabernet Sauvignon / 25% Cabernet Franc
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14
Soil Type: Clay and limestone
Estate History: Château du Pin belonged to the Dupin family until 1880 when it was given to Jean Leopold Ballan, great-great grandfather of Jean-Marie Constans. Jean-Marie and son Guillaume (sixth generation) are in charge of their 46 ha vineyard. The vineyard is located on a series of slopes in the commune of Saint-Martial near Gondrin in the middle of the Entre-Deux-Mers just south of Sauveterre.

Cellar and Winemaking Notes: Prior to 2006, all the production was sold in bulk. Some of it still is, but as from 2006 a growing proportion is bottled at the château and the Constans have kept the vines and cellar up to speed to ensure the highest quality for doing this. Jean-Marie is a true man of the soil, and, with limited finances has shown what is possible to ensure quality on a budget (de-leafing, green harvesting on the Merlots, etc), whilst Claudette has patiently put back every last penny into cellar equipment, which remains quite basic: large concrete tanks and no barrels at all; but the cooling equipment is of the highest quality and ensures perfect vinifications. The finished wines remain in tank with regular rackings until bottling generally during the winter 15 months later. These are strongly-made ripe-styled wines with considerable power, combining a good strength of the Merlot with a touch of cassis from the Cabernet.