Château Cadet Soutard 2016 | Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Wine Identification
The Château Cadet Soutard 2016 is a red wine produced by Château Cadet Soutard in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation of Bordeaux, France. This specific cuvée is distinguished as a micro-cru, originating from a mere one-hectare plot situated adjacent to notable neighbors such as Château Soutard, Château Cadet-Pontet, and Château Dassault. It is a limited production wine, with only 5,000 bottles released.

Origin and Winemaking
Situated within the broader Bordeaux region, this wine is crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes. The vineyard’s terroir is characterized by limestone clay soils, which contribute to the structure and character of the fruit. Harvesting is conducted manually to ensure careful selection of the grapes. Following harvest, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the primary fruit characteristics. The wine then matures in oak barrels, 25% new and 75% one year old or more.

Expected Profile and Tasting Notes
As a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru composed of 100% Merlot, this wine is expected to exhibit the classic plushness and depth associated with the right bank of Bordeaux. The limestone clay soils likely impart a refined mineral backbone and elegant structure. The use of both new and older oak suggests a balance between oxidative complexity from the barrels and fresh fruit expression from the stainless steel fermentation. The small production and manual harvest indicate a focus on concentration and quality, typical of high-end Saint-Émilion offerings.

Critics' Scores and Comments
This vintage has received notable acclaim from leading critics:
The Wine Advocate (Parker): 94 points
James Suckling: 93 points

Overall Character
The Château Cadet Soutard 2016 represents a boutique, terroir-driven expression of Saint-Émilion. Its rarity, specific micro-cru location, and blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques position it as a sophisticated example of Merlot-centric Bordeaux red wine.