Learn everything about Chateau La Croix Taillefer Pomerol with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on winemaking and vineyards. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux:Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles
Chateau La Croix Taillefer History, Overview
The Riviere family had been slowly purchasing small parcels in Pomerol starting in 1977. So, when Chateau La Croix Taillefer was available from the Langlet-Rietsch family in 1994, they jumped at the chance to purchase the estate.
Once they took control of La Croix Taillefer, they started making considerable improvements to the vineyards and wine-making facilities, and cellars. In 2001, the estate changed how they were working in their vineyards and began using organic farming methods exclusively.
Chateau La Croix Taillefer was certified be Ecocert for being 100% organic in 2004. Today Romain Riviere is in charge of La Croix Taillefer. Romain Riviere learned about managing their vineyard and how to make wine while he trained at Chateau Ausone in St. Emilion under Alain Vauthier. Not a bad teacher.
When Riviere first took over the property, it was only 1.5 hectares in size. Since then, they have almost quadrupled the property to its now 5.5 hectares of vines.
Chateau La Croix Taillefer Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking
The 5.5 hectare Right Bank vineyard of Chateau La Croix Taillefer is planted to 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard has old vines, some of which are close to 80 years of age. The terroir is mostly sand, with some deposits of iron. All work in the vineyard is 100% organic.
The wine of Chateau La Croix Taillefer is vinified in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. The wine of Chateau La Croix Taillefer is then aged in as much as 80% new, French oak barrels for up to 18 months, depending on the character and quality of the vintage.
There is a second wine, Chateau Loubiere, which is aged in less new oak. Having a second wine at a property that produces at best, 500 cases of wine per vintage, says a lot about their desire and dedication to making the best wine possible.
The best vintages of Chateau La Croix Taillefer are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010 and 2009.
When to Drink Chateau La Croix Taillefer, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Chateau La Croix Taillefer can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 hour or so. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Chateau La Croix Taillefer is usually better with at least 3-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau La Croix Taillefer offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 4-12 years of age after the vintage.
Serving Chateau La Croix Taillefer with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Chateau La Croix Taillefer is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.
Chateau La Croix Taillefer is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau La Croix Taillefer is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, pasta, and a myriad of hard and soft cheeses.
Château La Croix Taillefer Wine Tasting Notes
6 Vintages 15,475 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating
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2016
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
Made from a blend of 95% Merlot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, the forward, medium-bodied, softly textured wine offers its earthy, cherry and cocoa profile with ease. You should be able to enjoy this once it hits the stores. 2,739 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017 |
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2015
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
Medium-bodied, forward, soft, crowd-pleasing Pomerol with a core of cocoa-dusted red cherries in an easy-drinking, light style. 3,880 Views Tasted Sep 23, 2019 |
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2012
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
Easy drinking, simple, correct, round, forward, dark cherry and coffee bean profile, with a soft, but not very complicated mocha and cherry finish. 1,592 Views Tasted Oct 25, 2016 |
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2011
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc produced an earthy, simple cherry and red berry wine. 87-88 Pts 2,204 Views Tasted Apr 21, 2012 |
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2010
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
Simple, user friendly, fair priced, medium bodied Pomerol with a bright, spicy, soft red plum character that still displays some oak in the nose. This is made for early drinking. 3,076 Views Tasted May 19, 2014 |
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2009
Château La Croix Taillefer (Pomerol)
Medium bodied, with fresh, sweet cherries and earth, this is a user friendly Pomerol that will be best in its youth. 1,984 Views Tasted Feb 3, 2014 |
