Every vintage we find the occasional wine that punches way above its station and makes us take a step back, for its relative value, but mostly for its inherent quality. And if there is one wine which wows us year in year out, Chateau Alcee must take the mantle as consistently brilliant over-deliverer. Chateau Alcee was purchased just over a decade ago by Nicolas Thienpont, winemaking genius of the Thienpont dynasty that boasts Vieux Chateau Certan, Le Pin and L’If amongst others under its extensive auspices. A combined 6.5ha of old vine Merlot and newly-planted Cabernet Franc on Castillon’s red clay and limestone plateau bring a sophistication and quality usually associated with St Emilion’s finest terroirs. This, combined with Nicolas’ exceptional experience and talent, makes for a brilliant wine that would doubtless sell for several times its price if issuing from its more prestigious neighbouring appellation. This year the young-vine Cabernet Franc didn’t make the grade and thus the 2022 Alcee is 100% Merlot – just like its Pomerol cousin – a beautiful rendition of the grape variety that exudes restraint and exoticism in equal measure. This “Le Pin of Castillon” is one of Bordeaux’s great bargains that’s worth stocking up on for serious quaffing at a seriously giveaway price. You heard it here first!
