La Raison d'Hêtre 2022

La Raison d’Hêtre is the second wine of L’Hêtre, drawn from younger vines and clay-limestone parcels on the estate’s lower slopes. Part of the Thienpont family portfolio, the vineyards span clay and fossil-rich limestone soils that bring roundness and a distinctive saline freshness. The result is a wine balancing ripe fruit with chalky precision, offering energy and approachability.

VARIETAL COMPOSITION

75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc

WINEMAKING

The wine was vinified in temperature-controlled concrete vats to preserve freshness and precision, then matured in French oak barrels (22% new, 39% one-year-old, and 39% two-year-old) before bottling at 14.5%.

TASTING NOTE

Expressive notes of autumn fruit, camphor, forest leaves and a touch of mint. Sweet lushness on the attack and then the wine becomes spicier with layers of tannin, liquorice, warm earth, walnuts and black fruit. A firm, rich finish rounds out the wine.

FOOD PAIRING & SERVING TEMPERATURE

Feathered game, hard cheeses and red meat. Serve at 15–18°C.