Saint-Émilion Grand Cru red from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak.
The producer
Château La Confession is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate acquired by Jean-Philippe Janoueix in 2001. Its 7.5 hectare vineyard sits on a clay and limestone slope, with vines averaging 40 years old and planted at 6,666 vines per hectare. The red wine is 71% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. It ages in 100% new French oak for 15 to 19 months and is made without clarification or filtration.
Known for
Merlot led Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Notable facts
Jean-Philippe Janoueix acquired Château La Confession in 2001.
The estate is classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
The vines average 40 years old.
The wine ages in 100% new French oak for 15 to 19 months, depending on vintage.
The wine is made without clarification or filtration.
The story
The Warmed Barrel Method
In 2001, Jean-Philippe Janoueix warmed the barrels before placing the wine in them at Château La Confession. The purpose was gentler extraction with no shock when the wine met the oak. Warming a barrel before filling it reduces the temperature contrast between wood and wine, so early contact can be less abrupt. Janoueix introduced the method in the same year he acquired the estate and made his debut vintage there. The method and the debut vintage both date to 2001.
From the atlas
Château La Confession
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Region
Bordeaux
Appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Wine
Red Saint-Émilion wine
Main grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Signature wine
Château La Confession
Defining feature
New French oak ageing without clarification or filtration
The Producer
Jean-Philippe Janoueix acquired Château La Confession in 2001, and 2001 was the debut vintage for the new owner. The estate is classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Its vines average 40 years old, with 6,666 vines planted per hectare. Annual production averages approximately 2,500 cases.
Place
Seven and a half hectares of clay and limestone lie upon a fine slope. The slope drains excess water, clay can retain moisture, and limestone can help preserve freshness. For a Merlot led red, those conditions support ripe fruit with acidity and tannin.
Wines
Château La Confession is a red Saint-Émilion wine made from 71% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. It ages in 100% new French oak for 15 to 19 months, depending on vintage, and is made without clarification or filtration.
The 2014 vintage is dark, sumptuous and inviting, with a ripe, succulent profile, and can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. The wine's optimal drinking window spans 8 to 22 years after vintage.
Final Word
Château La Confession is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru red from a sloping clay and limestone vineyard, made by Jean-Philippe Janoueix and aged in new French oak.