As the first chills of autumn approach and we look ahead to wistful winter evenings, let Edmond de Rothschild Heritage help you usher in the festive season with three stunning Bordeaux blends from the excellent 2016 vintage: Château Clarke, Château des Laurets and Château des Laurets Baron, ‘Sélection Parcellaire’.
Sourced from two of Bordeaux’s most famous areas, the wines of Château Clarke in Southern Médoc on the Left Bank, and Château des Laurets a few kilometres north of Saint–Émilion on the Right Bank have become hallmarks of their respective areas, both championing the renowned Merlot grape.
Perfect alongside your Christmas centrepiece – be it a succulent roast turkey, tender beef loin, a Mushroom Wellington or decadent cheese platter, the velvety flavours of these exquisite Bordeaux wines are sure to elevate your festive celebrations.
Château des Laurets 2016, Puisseguin Saint–Émilion, RRP £23.99 at Ocado
Characterised by a brooding depth of flavour, this wonderfully complex, yet easy–drinking blend was partially aged for 14 months in new barrels (30%), second fill barrels (30%) and vats (40%). Deliciously fruity, this wine offers a remarkable aromatic complexity on the nose, with notes of cedar and Morello cherry. Its 80% Merlot- 20% Cabernet Franc blend reveals subtle, well-integrated oak on the palate and crisp black fruit flavours, along with an exquisitely elegant, velvety mouthfeel and a great length; its sophisticated tannins will please drinkers young and old. A perfect match with red or white meats, and fine cheeses. 92 points (James Suckling)
Château des Laurets Baron, ‘Sélection Parcellaire’ 2016, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Puisseguin Saint–Émilion, RRP £59.95 at The Oxford Wine Company
So deep in colour that it is almost black, this premium wine is the quintessence of Château des Laurets Baron. It was sourced from 100% Merlot grapes grown in vineyards spanning just 4 hectares across the oldest and best plots in the highest part of this 40–hectare property. The nose releases lightly toasted notes of fresh wood with black cherries, a mark of this
vintage’s exceptional maturity and elegance.
Tasting offers an explosion of ripe fresh fruit such as lightly stewed black cherries and blueberries. This wine is characterised by a wonderful woodiness balanced by mild toasted notes, a result of its maturation in new French oak barrels. Enjoy with dried aged red meats. 90 points (The Wine Advocate), 92 points (James Suckling)
Château Clarke 2016, Baron Edmond de Rothschild Listrac–Médoc, RPP £34.00 at Waitrose
This beautiful crimson wine with a deep purple rim is intense and complex on the nose, presenting subtly roasted notes with bright aromas of fresh blackcurrant and black cherry, harmonising with
a herbal undercurrent. On the palate, this Merlot-dominated blend rounds out with a rich, concentrated and velvety tannic texture balanced by a magnificent freshness that leads to a long and delightful finish. Drink now through to 2030. This wine is especially delicious alongside grilled meats and cheeses. 93 points (Decanter), 92 points (James Suckling)
