2022 Calicem Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Calicem represents the crown jewel of Couvent des Jacobins, a Grand Cru Classé estate with an extraordinary story that begins in the 14th century. What started as a medieval monastery has evolved into one of Saint-Émilion's most revered wine estates, where 700 years of history meet modern winemaking excellence.

The transformation from sacred grounds to celebrated vineyard tells the tale of Saint-Émilion itself. Monks once tended these very slopes, and their legacy of patience, dedication, and reverence for the land lives on in every bottle. Today, Xavier Jean and Denis Pomarède continue this sacred tradition, treating their role not just as winemakers, but as guardians of history.

Calicem is their love letter to this heritage—a separate, smaller production wine crafted from a tiny 0.7-hectare parcel that represents the estate's most precious terroir. These aren't just any vines; they're 60-year-old survivors that have weathered decades of seasons, developing the deep character that only comes with age and wisdom.

The vineyard itself feels almost mystical, perched on the southwest slope of Saint-Émilion where pure limestone soils have been nurturing vines for centuries. This ancient geological foundation creates wines with an unmistakable tension and minerality—the kind of complexity that speaks to the very soul of the terroir.

What makes Calicem truly special is the obsessive attention to detail that goes into every bottle. Vinification in upright barrels and aging in 500-liter French oak aren't just techniques—they're acts of devotion, labor-intensive methods that most producers would consider impractical but that Jean and Pomarède embrace as essential to their craft.

The estate's commitment to biodynamic practices reflects a philosophy that goes beyond organic farming—it's about creating harmony between the vineyard and its environment, honoring the monks' original vision of working in balance with nature.

The 2022 vintage showcased this philosophy perfectly. Despite intense heat and drought that challenged vineyards across Bordeaux, Calicem emerged triumphant. Wine Spectator's 97-point assessment of the vintage confirms what the estate already knew: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling."

The result is a luxurious and opulent expression that captures centuries of winemaking wisdom in every sip. Layers of dark fruit, chocolate, and exotic spices unfold with the kind of complexity that only comes from vines with deep roots and deeper history. James Suckling (95-96 points) describes it as "rich and opulent," while The Wine Independent (94 points) celebrates its "seamless acidity" and "long, fragrant finish."

Calicem is more than wine—it's a testament to the enduring power of tradition, where medieval monks' vision meets modern excellence, and where every bottle tells the story of Saint-Émilion's most sacred terroir.

Aging: 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels.