2023 Château de Chantegrive Graves

Château de Chantegrive Winery

Château de Chantegrive lies in the heart of the Graves region and was acquired by the Levêque family in 1966. Since then, the estate has become a fixture within the appellation, with a clear focus on precision, reliability, and terroir expression. Sustainable viticulture practices and careful attention to plot selection are employed. The Chantegrive style is classic Graves, with fresh tension, controlled ripeness, and a clear emphasis on structure and balance.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Graves owes its name to the characteristic gravelly soils that provide excellent drainage and heat reflection. The vineyards of Château de Chantegrive are situated on these poor, stony soils, which contribute to concentration and aromatic precision. The temperate Atlantic climate of 2023 produced grapes with good ripeness, retained freshness, and a clear structure, ideal for balanced red Bordeaux.

Vineyards

The vineyards are plot-by-plot and harvested separately. Low yields and careful selection are essential to ensure the purity of the fruit. The combination of gravel, sand, and clay contributes to both aromatic finesse and a firm backbone in the wine.

Grape varieties and composition

The blend consists primarily of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented with small amounts of Cabernet Franc. Merlot brings roundness and juicy fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, freshness, and aging potential. Cabernet Franc provides additional aromatic refinement.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Fermentation is temperature-controlled to preserve the fruit profile and freshness. The wine is then partially aged in oak barrels, with the wood used to enhance structure and texture without overpowering the fruit. This approach results in a wine with grip, clarity, and balance.

Color, smell and taste

The 2023 Château de Chantegrive Graves displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma reveals notes of ripe red and dark berries, with subtle spicy accents. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and clearly structured. The mid-palate is carried by fresh, fleshy fruit, while the tannins are firm yet controlled. The texture is slightly grainy and grips the finish, which remains taut and energetic. The style is classic and straightforward, with a focus on tension and drinkability.

Development and drinking window

The wine received a score of 91–92, underscoring its solid quality and good balance. It's suitable for drinking relatively young thanks to its fresh fruit and accessible style, but can also mature and refine in bottle in the coming years.

Summary of professional reviews

James Suckling rated the 2023 Château de Chantegrive Graves 91–92 points. He emphasized its firm structure, the fresh and fleshy fruit on the mid-palate, and the present, chewy tannins. The wine was described as medium-bodied with a grainy texture on the finish, contributing to its classic Graves profile.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.