Château La Croix Lartigue Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2016

Product description

Château La Croix Lartigue 2016 comes from an exceptional terroir of clay-limestone and clay-gravel on the southern slopes of Castillon. The 8-hectare vineyard, with more than 40-year-old vines and a planting density of 6,600 vines per hectare, is managed entirely without chemical weed control. Grains and legumes are sown to naturally nourish and aerate the soil. The 2016 growing season had excitement and contrast: a mild winter, a wet spring and then a hot, dry summer with cool nights. These conditions created grapes with high aromatic intensity and perfect ripeness.

Harvesting took place by hand between 7 and 20 October. In the cellar, full bunches and extraction via rack-and-return were used, followed by 12 months of aging in barriques (40 per cent new and 60 per cent one-year old), and a further 12 months in cuves. The combination of merlot (70 per cent) and cabernet franc (30 per cent) gives the wine its distinctive balance of energy and elegance. A total of 21,540 bottles and 130 magnums were produced, giving this vintage an exclusive character.

In the glass, the 2016 presents itself with depth, refinement and beautiful aromatic layering. Tones of ripe dark fruit, spices and subtle wood influences are supported by an elegant tension typical of Castillon. The wine shows supple structure, refined freshness and a long, elegant finish. Awarded 92 points by James Suckling and Andreas Larsson, among others, and a gold medal at Mundus Vini, Château La Croix Lartigue 2016 is considered one of the appellation's most stylish and characterful expressions.