Château Moulin Riche: Vineyards
The lieu-dit of Moulin Riche lies near the northern and western corner of the appellation of St Julien, near the border with Pauillac to the north, and with the Haut-Médoc vineyards to the west. Its closest neighbours therefore include among their number several châteaux in other appellations, including Château Haut-Batailley and Château Batailley, both of are just a few hundred metres to the north, and Château Larose-Trintaudon, which lies to the west. Within St Julien its closest neighbours are Château Talbot, some way to the south and east, and unless I am mistaken the vineyards of Clos du Marquis, which lie directly to the east.
The vineyards are planted on light and gravelly soils (as pictured) which are typical of these more western parts of the grand Médoc appellations. As described in my profile there are now 22 hectares established here, and the varieties planted are 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The approach to viticulture is conventional, as it is across the entire Cuvelier empire. The use of treatments is reasoned, but there is certainly no adherence to any certified organic or biodynamic philosophy. The vineyards are managed by the same team as Château Léoville-Poyferré. Pruning aims for yields of about 40 hl/ha.
