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Chateau Rousseau de Sipian

Chateau Rousseau de Sipian (previously known simply as Chateau Sipian, up to 1989), nestled in amongst fellow minor properties of the Médoc such as La Tour de By and Patache d'Aux, has a commanding view of the Gironde estuary. It's an impressive chateau, constructed in 1850, and surrounded by well tended parkland, including a 9 hectare plot of vines. And since 2000 it has been in British ownership, having been purchased by father and son team Roy and Christopher Racey. It's a common story in Bordeaux; with new ownership comes investment, and Chateau Rousseau de Sipian is no different. The chateau has seen an extensive refurbishment, returning to its 19th Century splendour. And in the vaulted cellars, construction of a temperature controlled vat room, and the purchase of new oak, are just two steps towards ensuring quality moves upwards. Sadly Roy passed away just a few years after the purchase of the estate, but Christopher continues as the driving force behind Rousseau de Sipian.

The vineyard, although small compared to many of the great properties further south in the Haut-Médoc, has all the desirable features. It underwent extensive replanting in the 1980s, and so now has an average vine age of 20 years, although this includes some old vines which were preserve. The vines, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, dig their roots into Garonne gravel. Harvesting is manual. Winemaker Nicolas Delacressonniere keeps a careful eye on the fermentation, before transferring to 25% new oak for up to 16 months.

The grand vin here is Chateau Rousseau de Sipian, with a second wine Tourelles de Sipian. Under previous ownership there were a number of different cuvées produced, under several different labels, but sensibly the new owners will be concentrating their efforts on the grand vin. There is also a very decent rosé. From my experience of these wines they are worth drinking, with the 2001 being a particular success. (22/6/05)

Contact details:
Address: Route du Port de Goulee, 33340 Valeyrac
Telephone: +44 (0) 1792 545300 (UK representative)
Internet: www.chateaurousseau.com

Chateau Rousseau de Sipian - Tasting Notes

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Chateau Rousseau de Sipian Rosé (Bordeaux) 2004: Good colour; nice depth, but not lurid. Leafy strawberry and liquorice fruits on the nose. Fresh, good body, with liquorice-laced red fruits. Slightly plump style, but with decent acidity. This is good. 15/20 (June 2005)

Chateau Rousseau de Sipian (Médoc) 2002: Dark, concentrated colour. Just a little more purple youth than the 2001. Sweet, crunchy blackcurrant fruit, blended with some green pepper, tobacco and violets. Intensely smoky. Good extract, but moderate concentration at best. A leaner style. But it has sufficient substance, with plenty of black fruit, leafy tobacco notes and green pepper again. Ripe, slightly raw tannins, giving plenty of grip. Needs a year or two, but should drink for 8-10 years. 16/20 (June 2005)

Chateau Rousseau de Sipian (Médoc) 2001: Very dark hue; showing a little maturity, but with no loss of depth of colour. Great nose, showing complexity; smoky, cedary, gravelly, rich and earthy fruit. Fleeting moments of perfume, meatiness, and animal fur. This is very appealing. Firm, masculine, full-bodied, old-style claret. Good, bruising presence. Black fruits, firm tannins, creamy edge. Short finish, but otherwise very good indeed. Drinking now, and over the next decade. 16.5/20 (June 2005)