Clos Puy Arnaud is in the Côtes-de-Castillon appellation, near the village of Belvès-Castillon. The 12-hectare vineyard is planted on a clay plateau on a subsoil of asteriated limestone overlooking the Dordogne Valley (at an altitude of 100m), in a geological continuation of the best terroirs on Saint Emilion's plateau, where most of the Grands Crus Classés are located. Purchased in 2000 by Thierry Valette (from a family that has owned properties in Bordeaux such as Château Pavie and Troplong Mondot for four generations), the vineyard had been organic since 2001 but did not have certification. Helped by appellation's popularity, 80% of production is currently sold on the export market. Stéphane Derenoncourt was the property's consultant oenologist until 2004. The wines are vinified according to a plot-by-plot philosophy, and then aged for 18 months in 50% new barrels. The vineyard adopted biodynamic principles in the winter of 2004-2005, with the assistance of Anne Calderoni from the Bordeaux Talence Institute of Oenology. This brilliant oenologist trained at Château Canon La Gaffelière then at Château Pavie Maquin alongside Stéphan von Neipperg and Stéphane Derenoncourt. Organic AB (agriculture biologique) certification procedures were started in 2006. Clos Puy Arnaud also joined the Biodyvin Union in 2007, which brings together many of the big names in biodynamic wine, such as Anne-Claude Leflaive, Jean-Louis Trapet, Olivier Humbrecht, Noël Pinguet, Michel Chapoutier, Alphonse Mellot, and François Chidaine, among others... The little star on the label gives an indication of the owner's commitment to biodynamic principles.

Merlot and Cabernet-France make up this cuvée, two early ripening varietals that flourish on the cool soils of right bank AOC Côtes de Castillon. Here, we find elegant, fresh and fruit-forward wines. Thierry Valette conserves the floral and fruit character of these wines by fermenting at low temperatures. Elevage in inert (cement) receptacles and in fûts of 2 to 3 wines confer structure to the wines while omitting any woody aromas. On the palate, this wine is juicy and racy with a velvet texture. While accessible now, this wine will stun you with its complexity in around 8 years’ time.