Chateau Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion Bordeaux Complete Guide

Everything about Chateau Moulin du Cadet St. Emilion with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Moulin du Cadet History, Overview

Moulin du Cadet is one of several estates taking its name from the location just north of the Saint Emilion village, the lieu-dit of Cadet. While the vineyards date back to at least the mid-1860s, the story of Moulin du Cadet really begins in 2001 when Alain Moueix took over managing the estate. This was a changing of the guard, as the previous generation had been in charge of the property since 1989.

One of the first, and surely most important decisions made by Alain Moueix was to change their vineyard management techniques. In 1991, the estate underwent a complete renovation of the property and its cellars.

Starting in 2002, Chateau Moulin du Cadet began farming using only 100% organic methods. They were one of the first vineyards in Bordeaux to begin using organic farming methods. Their vineyards earned Agrocert certification, meaning they are 100% completely organic.

In 1996, some of the plots of the Saint Emilion vineyard of Chateau Moulin du Cadet began to be bio-dynamically farmed. Starting with the 2005 vintage, it became the standard practice here to use biodynamic methods for their entire vineyard as well as at the other Alain Moueix owned vineyard, Chateau Fonroque.

In 2015, Chateau Moulin du Cadet was sold to the Lefevere family, the owners of Chateau Sansonnet, Chateau SoutardCadet, and Chateau Harmonie. The property is now managed by Marie-Benedicte Lefevere. Jean Luc Thunevin of Valandraud is their consultant.

Chateau Moulin du Cadet Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The small, 2.85-hectare vineyard of Chateau Moulin du Cadet is planted to 100% Merlot. The terroir consists of limestone, clay, and sandy soils.

On average, the vines are maintained at about 35 years of age. Chateau Moulin du Cadet farmed using 100% biodynamic farming methods. In fact, Chateau Moulin du Cadet became one of the first Right Bank vineyards to have also earned the Biodyvin Ecocert certificate.

To produce the wine of Chateau Moulin du Cadet, vinification takes place in traditional, temperature-controlled, square-shaped, cement vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for between 12 to 18 months before bottling.

The best vintages of Chateau Moulin du Cadet are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2009.

On average, close to 1,200 cases of wine per year are produced at Chateau Moulin du Cadet.

When to Drink Chateau Moulin du Cadet, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Moulin du Cadet needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 hour or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Moulin du Cadet is usually better with at least 4-6 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Moulin du Cadet offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 4-22 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Moulin du Cadet, with Wine and Food Pairings

Chateau Moulin du Cadet is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Moulin du Cadet is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Moulin du Cadet is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

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