{"title":"Chateau de Sales","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"chateau-de-sales-pomerol","title":"Chateau de Sales Pomerol","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChateau de Sales Pomerol\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Merlot-dominant red Bordeaux from the largest estate in the Pomerol appellation, bottled at 750ml with an ABV ranging from 13.5% to 14.5% depending on vintage. The 2020 vintage earned 94 points from both James Suckling and Decanter, confirming its standing as one of Pomerol's most consistent and accessible wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5–14.5% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France  |  Red Blend  |  Estate: Chateau de Sales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChateau de Sales holds the distinction of being the largest single vineyard in Pomerol, a rare feat in an appellation where most estates are measured in just a few hectares. The blend is composed of 73% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc — a proportion that leans heavily on Merlot for richness while the Cabernet varieties provide structure and aromatic complexity. What sets de Sales apart from many Pomerol neighbors is its restrained approach to oak: only 5% new French oak barrels are used each vintage, with the remainder comprising 30% one-year-old, 30% two-year-old, and older three-year barrels, and just 50% of the wine sees any barrel aging at all. This philosophy preserves fruit purity and terroir expression over overt oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with juicy mulberry and dark plum fruit, layered with gentle cherry, raspberry, and a thread of incense. Subtle dusty, chalky undertones emerge alongside earthy nuances as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, the entry is smooth-textured and medium-bodied, with ripe black fruits leading into a mid-palate of prune, plum, and chocolatey richness. Generous acidity lifts the fruit, keeping things fresh and balanced. The Merlot dominance delivers an approachable, velvety weight without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is silky and medium in length, with soft, smooth tannins and a slight cedary edge. Savory notes linger alongside the dark fruit, leaving a clean, composed impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Chateau de Sales\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C (61–64°F) in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. Young vintages benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to open up the fruit and soften any residual grip. This is a food-friendly red that does not demand excessive ceremony — its moderate tannins and bright acidity make it approachable on release, though well-stored bottles can develop additional complexity over 8 to 15 years. A splash of water is neither needed nor appropriate here; simply let the wine settle in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the quality and character of Right Bank Bordeaux\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA weeknight dinner upgrade alongside roasted meats or stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Bordeaux cellar without committing to ultra-premium pricing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Pomerol's silky, Merlot-driven style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Chateau de Sales taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau de Sales delivers ripe dark plum, mulberry, and cherry fruit with a chocolatey mid-palate and soft, cedary tannins. The overall impression is smooth, medium-bodied, and fruit-forward with a savory, silky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Chateau de Sales compare to Chateau Trotanoy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Merlot-dominant Pomerol estates, but Trotanoy occupies a significantly higher price tier and is often compared stylistically to Petrus for its depth and concentration. Chateau de Sales offers a more approachable, fruit-driven expression of the appellation at a fraction of the cost, using far less new oak in its aging regimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Chateau de Sales good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and minimal new oak make it one of the most approachable wines in Pomerol. It serves as an excellent entry point for drinkers exploring Right Bank Bordeaux for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Chateau de Sales made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau de Sales is produced in the Pomerol appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, France. It is the largest estate in Pomerol, an area otherwise known for its small, often family-run vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Chateau de Sales?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast duck breast works beautifully, as the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the fat. Braised beef short ribs complement the plum and savory notes. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese echoes the wine's earthy undertones. Lamb shoulder with herbs aligns with the cedary finish. Mushroom risotto mirrors the dusty, earthy aromas on the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Chateau de Sales come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau de Sales is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, with some vintages also released in magnums (1.5L) depending on market availability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Chateau de Sales worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau de Sales positions as one of Pomerol's most value-driven estates, sitting well below the appellation's prestigious crus while consistently earning scores in the low-to-mid 90s from major critics. For the quality of Pomerol terroir and the pedigree of the blend, it represents strong value within the broader Bordeaux landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Chateau de Sales?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single most compelling fact about Chateau de Sales is its unique aging protocol: only 5% new oak and just 50% barrel aging, a stark contrast to the heavy new-oak programs of many neighboring Pomerol estates. This restraint allows the terroir and fruit to speak more directly, resulting in a wine that tastes of place rather than cooperage. The 2020 vintage's dual 94-point scores from James Suckling and Decanter confirm that this approach delivers real quality. As the largest estate in one of Bordeaux's most exclusive appellations, Chateau de Sales occupies a rare position — genuine Pomerol character without the exclusivity-driven pricing that defines much of the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau de Sales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837834948777,"sku":"33003","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Chateau-de-Sales-Pomerol-2015__52962.jpg?v=1730496766"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/chateau-de-sales.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}