Château La Croix Lartigue Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2018

Product description

Château La Croix Lartigue 2018 comes from a terroir of clay-limestone and clay-gravel on the southern slopes of Castillon, where more than 40-year-old vines grow in optimal conditions. The 8-hectare vineyard is managed entirely sustainably, without herbicides and with natural green manure to keep the soil vibrant and fertile. The 2018 vintage began with a wet winter that replenished water reserves, followed by a complex growing season with rain and mildew pressure. Finally, a brilliant dry summer and cool nights ensured perfectly ripe grapes with aromatic freshness and powerful tannins. Harvesting was carried out by hand from 25 September to 9 October.

In the cellar, the wine matured for 12 months in oak barrels, 40 per cent of which were new and 60 per cent one-year-old, followed by 12 months rest in cuves. This year's blend consists of 60 per cent cabernet franc and 40 per cent merlot, giving the wine a distinct structure, depth and aromatic tension. A total of 13,580 bottles and 131 magnums were produced, highlighting the limited, artisanal style of this cuvée.

In the glass, Château La Croix Lartigue 2018 shows an explosion of black fruits, followed by an intense and powerful palate carried by ripe, structured tannins. The mouth is rich, aromatic and energetic, with a long finish that reflects the class of the Castillon terroir. The wine was excellently received by the international press, including 94 points from James Suckling, 90-92 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown and 90 points from Jeb Dunnuck. An impressive wine that combines fruit power and finesse and is delicious now, but can also age beautifully.