Château La Clarière 2017

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.

And with critics swooning over the 2019 harvest—“2019 is unquestionably a great vintage for Bordeaux,” reports critic Jeb Dunnuck—the latest release easily lives up to its predecessors. In fact, it boasts 92 points and a double-gold medal from Gilbert & Gaillard plus a gold medal from the China Wine & Spirits Awards.

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.