The Laithwaite family is really on a roll in Bordeaux, especially since Decanter magazine highlighted their Verniotte property as an “estate to watch.” This Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is an exclusive red from Château de Colombe, the family’s other exciting estate, located in the village of Sainte-Colombe in the heart of Bordeaux’s Castillon region.

Expert and Decanter columnist Oz Clarke writes that Castillon is a “rising star,” whose limestone plateau is the “seamless” extension of storied Saint-Émilion. And, just like the wines from its famous neighbor, Château de Colombe is Merlot dominant, with healthy doses of both Cabs (Franc and Sauvignon) adding structure and finesse.

Previous vintages of Château de Colombe have won major gold medals and been called “a Castillon which without doubt has plenty of potential for ageing” by Gilbert & Gaillard judges. And the new 2022 release arrives with a gold medal from Frankfurt International Trophy.

Château de Colombe offers up generously ripe, dark plum on the nose, plus hints of licorice and spicy oak. The palate is intense with dark fruit and savory complexity. If possible, decant an hour before serving to really let these aromas and flavors open up, then serve with fork-tender pot roast or our favorite match: a flame-grilled steak topped with sautéed shallots.

Hurry for your share—this is small-production Bordeaux at its best and won’t be around for long.