J. Maltus Les Asteries Saint-Émilion 2019

DRUER: 83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc; 1,20 hektar, plantet i 1920. LES ASTÉRIES var den første mikro-cuvée vin i vores 'Single Vineyard Series', baseret på de côtes, der omfavner byen Saint-Émilion – hjemstedet for Saint-Émilion Grand Crus Classés. Vinstokkene overlevede frosten i 1956 og er næsten hundrede år gamle.
Jorden er kendetegnet ved et tyndt lag ler over 'Astéries'-kalksten (hård kalksten). Dette terroir giver en vin med en udtalt mineralitet i dens ungdom. 'Carassonnage'
Vinstokkene beskæres efter dobbel-guyot-systemet. De sekundære skud fjernes, og der udføres tre grønne høstgange for at sikre, at der er højst fire klaser pr. vinstok, ved midt-véraison. Druerne håndplukkes i små bakker før transport til vineriet.
Ved ankomst til vineriet sorteres druerne – først efter klaser og derefter, efter afstilkning, drue for drue. Der bruges kun transportbånd til at transportere druerne, og vinen gæres i trækar efter kold maceration. Vinen gennemgår malolaktisk gæring i nye franske egetræsfade og lagres på fad i en klimastyret kælder ved 18°C.
LES ASTÉRIES udviser en fantastisk mineralitet, der er karakteristisk terroir, som går gennem CH TEAUX BELAIR, CANON og CLOS FOURTET. Vinen er navngivet LES ASTÉRIES efter den hårdeste form for kalksten – calcaire à astéries i området.

94-96 points Robert Parker
94-96 point. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Les Asteries wafts seductively out of the glass with fragrant notes of Ceylon tea, potpourri, forest floor and lavender over a core of Morello cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry tart with a touch of bouquet garni. Medium-bodied, refreshing and delicately crafted, the palate has wonderfully ripe, silt-like tannins and seamless freshness supporting the perfumed fruit, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Les Asteries is from the JCP Maltus portfolio of skillfully crafted Saint-Émilion wines. Neil White is the head winemaker, and Thomas Duclos is a consultant here. The vineyard is composed of thin clay over limestone.

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2019 Les Asteries is similarly tight and reserved, yet certainly loaded with potential. Coming from hard-packed limestone soils and a rough split of 80/20 Merlot and Cabernet Franc, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by savory back cherries, iron oxide, chalky minerality, and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's another impeccably made wine from Maltus offering ripe, present tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's one of those “iron fist in a velvet glove” wines that needs 4-6 years of bottle age and will evolve for over 20 years.” Jeb Dunnuck

95 points Vinous
A powerful, explosive wine, the 2019 Les Astéries offers up a compelling interplay og dense, plush fruit intermingled with chalky, mineral notes that act as a counterpoint. Chocolate, spice and savory accents add further layers of complexity. The 2019 has come along splendidly since I tasted it as a barel sample. It's breadth, energy and vibrancy simply canb't be denied.

94 points James Suckling
Polished nose of crushed blackberries, raspberries, walnuts, pine cones, chocolate, orange zest and nutmeg. It’s full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Plush and rich with a seductively deep core of spiced fruit.