Château La Croix Lartigue Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2021

Product description

Château La Croix Lartigue 2021 comes from the chalky southern slopes of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, where more than 40-year-old vines grow on clay-limestone and clay-gravel. The 8 hectares of vineyards are sustainably managed to HVE3 standards, with no herbicides and natural planting to aerate and nourish the soil. The vintage began with mild temperatures and record amounts of rain, leading to an early start to the growing season, but frosts from 7 to 9 April delayed development. A cool, humid summer caused slow ripening, while more favourable conditions in September finally brought the grapes to a balanced maturity. Manual harvesting began on 5 October.

In the cellar, they worked with whole bunches, pigeage and malolactic fermentation in both vats and cuves. The wine matured for 12 months on the lees in barriques, followed by another 12 months in tanks. The blend consists of 65 per cent cabernet franc and 35 per cent merlot, resulting in a wine with aromatic richness, tension and a distinct limestone character. With only 3,738 bottles and 30 magnums produced, this vintage is among the château's most limited and exclusive editions.

Château La Croix Lartigue 2021 opens with aromas of peony, liquorice and tobacco, followed by violets and pink peppercorns, typical of cabernet franc. The attack is full and fleshy, with lively notes of red currant adding to the freshness. The wine combines power and finesse, carried by salty, chalky tannins and bright acidity that supports the long finish. Laudatory scores from Antonio Galloni (92/100), Yves Beck (91/100) and James Suckling (90/100), among others, confirm the refined balance and vibrant style of this vintage.