Savour two bottles each of the lavish Grand Gold-winning Château La Clarière 2021 from Tony Laithwaite’s own estate in Castillon.
The silky Vieux Château Guibeau 2020 from St-Émilion-Puisseguin, and the wonderful Château Gigault Cuvée Viva 2014 from a Côtes de Blaye estate part-owned by Stephane Derenoncourt of La Mondotte, Canon La Gaffelière and Pavie Macquin fame.
We’ve had a run of great vintages, but the Gold-medal-winning 2021 released this year is a true classic. Even though it’s really young, the wine is luscious and silky with intense, fresh fruit, and already surprisingly approachable.
Perhaps it’s the château’s location near St-Emilion that makes this claret so special. Or the know-how of the owner Bruno Dellac. Or the quality of this ripe vintage. What’s beyond doubt is the wine’s earthy richness and appealing ripe fruit.