Château du Moulin Noir
Lussac Saint-Émilion
What makes Château du Moulin Noir unique is its dual expression of the Lussac terroir. On one side, a structured, age-worthy wine of character; on the other, a fresher, more accessible cuvée full of charm. This balance is the result of a rigorous quality-driven approach, rooted in a compelling history and a strong environmental commitment.
History
The story of Château du Moulin Noir began in 1989 with the acquisition of 4.5 hectares of vines in the Lussac Saint-Émilion appellation. The following year, a vinification cellar and a barrel ageing cellar were built, marking a new phase in the estate’s development. Over the next few years, the vineyard expanded further with new plots in Montagne Saint-Émilion and Lussac. The name of the estate is steeped in legend. During the Middle Ages, two brothers clashed over their father’s inheritance. One night, in a fit of anger after being denied his share, the younger brother set fire to the property. Everything burned—except for the mill, which stood apart and survived, blackened by the flames. From this tale was born the name “Moulin Noir” – the Black Mill.
The Vineyard
The vineyard now covers 9.8 hectares on clay-limestone hillsides typical of Lussac, offering ideal conditions for balanced ripening. The grape varieties are traditional for the Right Bank: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare. The estate practices sustainable viticulture and holds HVE Level 3 certification. Each plot is carefully monitored, with ripeness assessed through tasting, analysis, and visual observation. Harvesting is conducted using both manual and mechanical methods, depending on the characteristics of each parcel.
Vinification and Ageing
Upon arrival at the cellar, grapes undergo a strict selection and full destemming. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats at around 28°C, with three daily pump-overs for gentle extraction. A long vatting period follows to build structure and depth. Several rackings are carried out based on tasting sessions.
The estate’s first wine, Château du Moulin Noir, is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 20 to 25% of which are new each year, lending elegance and complexity. The second wine, Les Chaumes Hautes, is aged for 12 to 18 months in stainless steel tanks, with a careful use of alternative oak products (staves) to preserve fruit purity and freshness.
Wine Characteristics
Château du Moulin Noir displays a deep, dark color and an expressive nose of ripe black fruits, gentle spices, and refined oak. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with well-integrated tannins and a long, balanced finish, promising good ageing potential.
The second wine, Les Chaumes Hautes, offers a more approachable profile with notes of red and black fruits, a smooth, easy-drinking texture, and silky tannins, making it ideal for earlier enjoyment.
