Soutard 1996 in Case of 12 btl.

Soutard is a Grand Cru Classé wine estate located in Saint-Emilion. The estate has records dating back to the 16th century, but the vineyard and château were established in the 18th century. Today, Soutard is known for its Merlot-dominant red wine.

The 22-hectare (54-acre) vineyard is located on a limestone plateau on sandy clay soils. This is well-suited to Merlot, which makes up 63 percent of plantings. Cabernet Franc covers 28 percent of the vineyard, with 7 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 percent Malbec. The vines have an average age of 35 years.

Château Soutard is typically a Merlot – Cabernet Franc blend, although in some vintages a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec may be added. The wine is vinified in a mixture of stainless steel, concrete and wooden vats and goes through malolactic fermentation in barrel. Château Soutard is then aged in 60 percent new French oak for around 18 months.

The estate produces a second wine, Les Jardins de Soutard, from fruit that does not go into the Château Soutard Grand Cru Classé bottling. This second wine, previously called Clos de la Tonnelle, is composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.