Château de La Riviere is one of the older estates in the Fronsac appellation. The history of the property can be dated back all the way back to 769, when the Emperor Charlemagne ordered that a fort be constructed on the site, Prior to 769, the land was previously used by the ancient Romans as a burial mound. The large, 65 hectare vineyard of Château de La Riviere is planted to 82% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% old vine Malbec in 53 separate parcels on clay, limestone and sandy soils. This shows a marked increase in the plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards have old vines, some of which are up to 80 years old and the entire property is farmed organically.
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2010 Château de La Riviere “ARIA”
76% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Alcohol
“Wine Spectator” – 92 Points
James Molesworth
“This starts with a caressing mocha and freshly brewed espresso crema note, but there's
plenty of pleasantly austere charcoal and singed iron behind that, along with an ample
core of dark plum, blackberry paste and warm plum reduction notes. The long,
smoldering finish has excellent grip for the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2025”