2016 vintage. Nicolas Thienpont is a great winemaker at 3 Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classés Beauséjour HDL, Pavie Macquin and Larcis Ducasse +Grand Cru Classé Berliquet + a few estates in the Côtes de Bordeaux). This Côtes de Francs is probably the most humble in his stable, but it's a very serious wine. A blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, it features a dark red colour colour with a purplish rim, a complex nose with blueberry and strawberry fruit, flowers and cocoa powder. The fruit is packed in a tight ripe tannic structure, with balancing acidity and serious length. I would recommend to give this overachiever a few years of bottle age. Abv. 14,5%. Great value at 12,90 euro. — 4 years ago
2019 vintage. Calicem might well be Saint-Emilion's best kept secret. Tasted it several times and was always blown away. This time I tasted it alongside the extraordinary Larcis Ducasse 2019, which proves my point that Calicem is definitely of Premier Grand Cru quality ( in case the classification is still a thing after Cheval Blanc, Ausone and a few others left). — a year ago
A blend of 92% Merlot & 8% Cab Franc, elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2012, deep Ruby with aromas of black fruits, complex spice and notes of forest floor. On the palate flavors blackberry and black cherry with notes of cacao, espresso and licorice. Fine smooth tannins, great mouthfeel, long finish ending with toasty cedar notes and earthy mineral character. Just starting to show beautifully and will for next decade. Nice! — 2 years ago
Being that I was around 2 years ago to see Courtney in crutches, this wine was especially funny to me because he got his inspiration from his unfortunate accident while biking. He is also a big Bordeaux wine fan, so this wine is a blend of Merlot, then Cabernet Franc, and a touch of petit verdot all from the Stag's Leap district. Drinks like a Napa version of Larcis Ducas - delicious. — 6 years ago
Rodney Priestley
A little lack of character… — 21 days ago