L'Etendard deChâteau Valade, St Emilion Grand Cru,

Situated in the village of St Christophe des Bardes, Chateau Valade is produced from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Annual production is just 8000 bottles, however, only 4000 bottles were produced in 2009 due to the hail storms that wreaked havoc in May. Paul and Cedric work tirelessly in the vineyard to harvest perfectly ripe fruit. High trellises are used to maximise photosynthetic activity, rows are ploughed, the canopy is thinned twice a year, yields are managed with green harvests and the crop is entirely hand-picked to ensure healthy, ripe berries. Paul believes in a gentle extraction, yet the wines possess deep colours, considerable body and good structure. Aging takes place in 80% new and 20% one year old barrels for 12 months. We expect the latest addition to the Valade family portfolio to be a great success as it offers all the characteristics we have come to expect from Paul’s wines: generosity, charm and good value.