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A member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Château Rahoul boasts an exceptionally diverse range of terroirs. The history of Château Rahoul began in 1646, when Chevalier Guillaume Rahoul was responsible for the construction of this pretty chartreuse, and gave it its name. The management of the Rahoul estate was entrusted to Dourthe in 2007. Today, the Graves white is ranked among the finest of the appellation, while the red is a wine of great finesse and elegance.” Patrick Jestin.

Grape

62% Merlot – 36% Cabernet Sauvignon  – 2% Petit Verdot

Vineyard & Vinification Note

HVE3 and Terra Vitis certified (High environmental value certificates)

Vineyard surface: 40 Ha (5 Ha of which are white)

Soils: Gravely-sand and gravely-clay.

Harvest: According to the type of grape and soils. Sorting by hand on tables

Vinification: Temperature controlled stainless-steel vats. Malolactic fermentation partially in barrels.

Ageing: In oak barrels (30% of which are new) on fine lees.

Vintage 2016:

In a year of extraordinary weather, it has been more important than ever to meticulously adapt vineyard management practices on these well-drained soils in order to counteract the prolonged effects of excess rain followed by record drought. Significant water shortage halted growth in the canopy, leaving the vine to focus all its energy on developing tannins and anthocyanins, and attaining good levels of ripeness.

A peak in heatwave conditions was followed towards the end of August by cool nights which helped preserve the aromas in the white grapes.

The reds fully benefited from the warm, bright weather that marked the second half of September. The blends reveal complex wines, where the concentrated structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon allies to perfection with the ripe, fleshy and colour-rich Merlot.

Tasting Note

Intense, deep ruby colour for the 2016 Rahoul, with its complex bouquet of fresh, black berry fruits and a smoky dimension. Initially taut on the palate, the wine lengthens to glorious effect. Underpinned on the palate by lovely, silky tannic structure, coated in fresh, dark Merlot fruit, together with tannic finesse and blackcurrant aromas typical of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. This long, full-flavoured Chateau Rahoul culminates in a lingering, spicy finish. Frédéric Bonnaffous, Dourthe Estates Director 

James Suckling

A firm and finely tannined red with berry, hot-stone and dark-berry character. Medium body. Lovely depth of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. A blend of 62 per cent merlot, 36 per cent cabernet sauvignon and two per cent petit verdot. Needs a year or two to come completely together. Try after 2021. 92 Points, January 2019

Wine Advocate

It has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, sandalwood and light smoky aromas. I like the focus and detail of this Rahoul. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, very refined with nicely integrated new oak and a long, quite sensual finish. You know, this is a very good Rahoul that will surpass the excellent 2015. 90-92 Points, Neal Martin, April 2017

Jeb Dunnuck

Lots of smoke tobacco, earth, and savory, meaty dark fruits emerge from the 2016 Château Rahoul, which is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannins and solid balance. This is an enjoyable, well-made wine to drink over the coming decade or so. 88 Points, February 2019

Food Pairing

Perfect match with grilled or roasted meat, stuffed poultry, cheese, mushrooms fricassee.