In the glass
Aroma: cherry blossom, fresh lavender, cherry compote, pencil lead, leaf tobacco
Palate: bright bing cherry, blackberry, blueberry, chocolate raspberry, espresso bean, forest floor
The benchmark Canon-Fronsac red from 6.75 hectares of 65-year-average-age vines, farmed biodynamically and organically. Merlot with 5% Malbec produces a fragrant, perfumed wine with remarkable freshness for the Right Bank.
What it pairs with
-
Rabbit rillettes with cornichons
The wine's bright cherry and fresh acidity complement the mild gaminess of rabbit; herbs echo the lavender note. -
Roasted guinea fowl with wild mushrooms
Forest floor and earthy mushroom flavours in the wine match the rustic richness of the bird. -
Lamb and aubergine gratin
Merlot fruit holds up to slow-cooked lamb; the wine's bright acidity lifts the richness of the gratin. -
Boeuf aux carottes
A classic bistro red-wine braise that matches the wine's aromatic freshness and round tannins.
How to serve Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Rabbit rillettes with cornichons, Roasted guinea fowl with wild mushrooms, Lamb and aubergine gratin. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Gregoire and Chantal Hubau, a chemist and computer scientist by training, purchased the estate in 1988 with no prior winemaking background and engaged Michel Rolland as consultant. They adopted 100% biodynamic farming, which resulted in Ecocert organic certification. The estate now encompasses 6.75 hectares of Canon-Fronsac plus the separately labelled Chateau Haut-Lariveau (Fronsac) and Chateau des Combes Canon (Canon-Fronsac).
- 1988 — Hubau family acquires estate; Michel Rolland engaged as consultant
- 1990 — Chateau Haut-Lariveau parcel acquired
- 2005 — Ecocert organic certification obtained
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie
- Grapes
- Merlot (95%), Malbec (5%)
- Classification
- Canon-Fronsac AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in 33% new French oak barrels; malolactic fermentation in barrel
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 36,000 bottles
- Price
- €25-50 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1988
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Scores
- Wine Advocate 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Decanter 91 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie
What does Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie taste like?
On the nose, cherry blossom, fresh lavender, cherry compote, pencil lead, leaf tobacco. On the palate, bright bing cherry, blackberry, blueberry, chocolate raspberry, espresso bean. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium-long finish. The benchmark Canon-Fronsac red from 6.75 hectares of 65-year-average-age vines, farmed biodynamically and organically. Merlot with 5% Malbec produces a fragrant, perfumed wine with remarkable freshness for the Right Bank.
When should I drink Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie?
Drink 4-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie?
Rabbit rillettes with cornichons is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Roasted guinea fowl with wild mushrooms and Lamb and aubergine gratin. The wine's bright cherry and fresh acidity complement the mild gaminess of rabbit; herbs echo the lavender note.
What grapes are in Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie?
The blend is Merlot (95%), Malbec (5%). The wine is classified as Canon-Fronsac AOC.