Château La Clarière 2018

The premium appellation of Saint-Emilion makes some of the world’s most sought-after Bordeaux. But with “Saint-Emilion 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-Emilion (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 was hailed as “the leading estate in Côtes de Castillon” by Decanter, and went on to win over 100 awards (including more than 20 golds) during the last 30 vintages.

Today, the wine 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 (given to just 12 estates in France – and only one in Bordeaux) a few years ago, La Clarière is hotter than ever.

The 2016 edition won SIX prestigious gold medals and a 92-point score from the 2019 International Wine Challenge. Plus, it earned the highest score (93 points!) at Decanter’s recent tasting of 2016 Côtes-de-Bordeaux. Judges raved: “Complex and concentrated ... easily one of the best in the line up in terms of quality and approachability.”

And with critics swooning over the 2018 harvest – “Bordeaux 2018 will be remembered as an exceptional year, with no shortage of outstanding wines from this extraordinary vintage,” reports JancisRobinson.com – the latest release easily lives up to its award-winning predecessors.

A rich, full-bodied blend of mostly Merlot, with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for structure, it was given a luxurious, 16-month slumber in French oak barrels. Look for ripe, plummy fruit flavor, framed by warming spice notes and velvety tannins. Just the thing for steaks, stews, and other hearty fare. Order now.