Château La Clarière 2023
4.2 (106)
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Boasting a history of gold-medal acclaim and 90+ point scores, Château La Clarière hails from Bordeaux’s exciting Castillon region. The latest release delivers the expected class with its smooth, plummy richness. Don’t miss it.
Wine Details
- Red - Full Bodied
- France
- Merlot-based blend
- 14% ABV
- December 31, 2034
Flavor Profile
Wine Flavor Profile
This elegant blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc brims with flavors of ripe plum, fresh black currant and smoky spice. While delicious now, it will improve further as it ages in bottle.Wine Food Pairings
Aged cheese, duck, game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian.Beyond the Label
The premium appellation of Saint-Émilion makes some of the world’s most sought-after Bordeaux. But with “Saint-Émilion producing too many mediocre and overpriced wines…it’s not surprising that some customers’ eyes have wandered eastward to Castillon,” says Decanter.
Castillon is still big news, with many top names from Saint-Émilion (and beyond) flocking there in recent years. But it was Tony Laithwaite who got there first. A passionate pioneer for Castillon, his first vintage was in 1984. Since then, Château La Clarière Laithwaite has been hailed as “the leading estate in Côtes de Castillon” by Decanter, and has won over 100 awards (including more than 20 golds) during the last 30 vintages.
Today, Château La Clarière is made by Tony’s head winemaker, Jean-Marc Sauboua, who’s picked up the reins with serious gusto. After winning the exclusive Le Prix d’Excellence from Concours Général Agricole (given to just 12 estates in France—and only one in Bordeaux) a few years ago, La Clarière is hotter than ever.
A rich, full-bodied blend of mostly Merlot, with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for structure, it was given a luxurious, 12-month slumber in French oak barrels. Look for ripe, plummy fruit flavor, framed by warming spice notes and velvety tannins. Gilbert & Gaillard awarded 91 points to the 2023 vintage and gave it this tasting note: “Tannins of great finesse…ripe fruit unfolding without the slightest hitch.” Just the thing for steaks, stews and other hearty fare.
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