Ric visits Château La Confession

I have always wondered how Château La Confession came to be named, but it turns out to be nothing more than a case of religious fervour on the part of Jean-Philippe Janoueix and his family, which established the estate in 2003. The cellars and chai are watched over by a prominent crucifix, while several large paintings and illustrations depicting biblical characters adorn the walls of the modest château. When members of the Jürade de Saint-Émilion du Singapour arrived in the late afternoon of 06 June 2023, the Singapore flag was already hoisted high at the main entrance. The seven-hectare estate is planted with 66% merlot and 32% cabernet franc on clay and limestone soils, aged in 50% new oak. The average age of the vines is forty years. The château was certified organic in 2010 and biodynamic from 2014. Jean-Philippe also deeply admires the wines of Burgundy to the extent that he utilises medium-toast barrels made by ten different cooperages from Burgundy. The wines are aged in a mix of these barrels as well as amphorae and concrete vats. I have fond memories of the 2011 and 2012, which pack real power, layering and expressiveness, totally befitting of its Grand Cru Classé status. Merci, Jean-Philippe, for our time and generosity.

2022 Château La Confession. Barrel sample of only the merlot component. Beautiful deep purple. Highly aromatic, exuding a fragrant floral freshness. Medium-full. Quite amply layered with ripe dark berries, well-structured with clean elegant tannins. Good balanced. Not yet the final blend but this is very promising. Tasted at the château, June 2023.

2019 Château La Confession. Deep purple. Generous bouquet of ripe raspberries and currants tinged with enamel. Medium weight. Good presence of fruit, structured with subtle tannins. Beautifully supple though a tad leaner in balance, showing some early complexity with overtones of cigar box, spice and a touch of savouriness. Good verve. Tasted at the château, June 2023.

2016 Château La Confession. Deep purple with some crimson rim. Effusive in cool red fruits. Medium weight. Structured with soft pliant tannins underpinned by fresh acidity and an unusual note of olive, imbued with distinct earthy minerals in the mid-body that lent a leaner tone. Modest finish. Tasted at the château, June 2023.