Château La Clarière 2019

With four Trophies and 80+ Golds, Château La Clarière is clear proof that Castillon wines can surpass those of next-door Grand Cru St-Émilion. Since Tony Laithwaite first worked in Castillon, in 1967, he has been a champion of the region. As Wine International wrote, and he believes: “If it weren’t for the line dividing Castillon from Saint Emilion, its wines would be twice the price. The hills are the same, the soil is the same, the exposure is the same.” In 1980 Tony bought Château La Clarière and has been proving his point ever since, winning Golds and Trophies, and twice the coveted Paris’ Lauréat Prix d’Excellence. The team has led the field in innovation too and no expense is spared: low yields for intensity, rigorous sorting for quality, and ageing in the finest new French oak. This is the fine claret from his family estate – a top vintage, delicious now and will age well. Ripe plum, strawberry, blackcurrant, pepper spice and tobacco aromas. Velvety, textured palate with firm tannins and a great balance of fruit and oak.