Château Samion is only a few miles from Pétrus, in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Jean-Claude Berrouet works all naturally there—both in the vines and in the cellar—and produces only Merlot, the grape that dominates Pétrus. Since his 2007... Read More

Château Samion is only a few miles from Pétrus, in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Jean-Claude Berrouet works all naturally there—both in the vines and in the cellar—and produces only Merlot, the grape that dominates Pétrus. Since his 2007 retirement, he and his son have devoted themselves to applying everything they know about making powerful Merlots on clay-rich soils at their own little domaine.

They tend the 45-year-old vines and make the wine following the same methods (and intuitions) that were applied to making Petrus, though adapted to the different circumstances (a layer of gravel above the clay here makes a difference, and there's only 20% new oak).

The attention to detail shows in the wines: the pure expression of Merlot grown in Pomerol-like soils is true, old-school pleasure. But beware, because they work in a very classical style—no modern wine-making tricks here—the wines can use a long decant if you drink them before they've had a few years in bottle. Of course, this style at this price makes the Samion wines great options for any reasonably-priced cellar.