The Grand Vin from Clos Puy Arnaud is a unique and singular expression of Castillon, showcasing aromas of cedar, petrichor, and black plums, before a medium-full body brimming with earthy, stony flavours. A wine that aims to showcase its terroir rather than fruit, this is a serious expression of Castillon rouge that will reward with decanting for current drinking as well as careful cellaring over the next decade. Serve alongside robust dishes and mature cheeses.

Clos Puy Arnaud is a biodynamic producer in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC that is managed with great skill and tenacity by Thierry Valette, a proponent of organic and biodynamic viticulture and ancestral winemaking practices.

The estate is located on the Saint Èmillion ridge, although in the commune of Castillon, an area that was excluded from the communal denomination and remained in the shadow of the region's great titans for years. This has helped Thierry and other local winemakers who have acquired land at affordable prices and created a unique expression of Bordeaux that is not withheld by the constraints of grander appellations.

Vines grown are between 30-60 years old and fall in line with historic local tradition, with Merlot plantings dominating, followed by Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon. The particularity of the soil in this area, which consists of a limestone matrix à astéries (''starfish-like''), has made the area highly successful, yielding wines with a distinct freshness and mineral sapidity. In the cellar, fermentation is natural and spontaneous using only indigenous yeasts, and ageing takes place in cement, amphoras, or wooden barrels, altered to suit the expressiveness of the vines and the terroir.

Assemblage: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vineyards: Plot on a clay-limestone plateau. Average age of vines is 30 years old. The vineyard is managed as both organic (AB label) and biodynamic (Demeter, Biodyvin labels). All plots are hand harvested.

Winemaking: Transfer of whole grapes by gravity into wood and cement vats. Cold, pre fermentation maceration is achieved under inert gas. Then, natural fermentation at low temperature (25°C max).

Ageing: Ageing of 1/3 in barrels (15% in new wood), 1/3 in Demimuids and 1/3 in amphoras for 6 months, then blending in uncoated cement vats for 3 months.

"Certified biodynamic. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mid crimson. Toasty, savoury, appetising nose. Nothing overdone here and a good balance between ripe, nicely integrated fruit and freshness. A really honest wine with nothing exaggerated, no make-up. Essence of place and accessible even if there is reassuring structure under the filigree fruit. Just the sort of wine to reassure a younger generation that Bordeaux can produce the goods. Chapeau! Drink to 2036."
17 points. Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (December 2021)

"A delicious wine that can already be approached with pleasure, the 2019 Clos Puy Arnaud evokes aromas of cassis, blueberry, spices, graphite and a touch of licorice. Medium-bodied, seamless and fleshy, it’s a layered, concentrated wine with rich tannins and a sapid finish. Drink to 2029."
91 points. Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate (April 2023)

"Mulberries, praline, dried flowers, clay and bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Round and creamy with harmonious, fruity character and a silky texture. Pure and delicious. So vibrant. 70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Delicious already, but better from 2024."
93 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (January 2022)

Also awarded:
92-94 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
93 points - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
92-94 points - Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor