In July 2023, I had the pleasure to spend time with the crew at Château des Laurets. After an early morning drive across the river and over the right-banks gentle rolling hills to the winery, I had the opportunity to visit the vineyards used in crafting this wine. The Château was built in 1860, and this stunning property features on the label, proudly overlooking the estate, winery and vines. There vineyards which date back to the 12th century, are spread across two neighbouring appellations, Montagne Saint-Émilion and Puisseguin Saint-Émilion. They are planted on south-facing slopes with excellent clay-limestone soils which gives this Merlot based Saint-Émilion wine its distinctive taste and character. Baron Benjamin de Rothschild acquired this superb property in 2003, with the aim from the beginning to achieve its finest potential.

After the fruit was harvested, it underwent a period of cold soaking before the fermentation in both oak and temperature controlled stainless steel vats. During post-fermentation the wine had a controlled amount of micro-oxygenation during maceration, along with malolactic fermentation. This 2017 cuvée has 30% new oak, 30% in second fill barrels, and the rest in stainless steel vats, with a period of aging at around 14 months before bottling.

TASTING NOTES
Colour: The dress is red, purple and deep.

Aroma: The nose is intense and very expressive, with a subtle blend of black fruits and plum. Lovely little notes of fresh wood reinforce the overall complexity.

Palate: The attack is rather round. The impression of ripe black fruits unfolds on a structure with fine and well-integrated tannins. The opulence of the vintage is well controlled here. The barrel aging of part of the blend brings licorice notes finalizing an aromatic complexity carried by the characteristic freshness of the Laurets terroir.