Château Clarke
(by Edmond de Rothschild)

Bordeaux, France

Château Clarke – 2003

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  • Introduction

    • Château Clarke takes its name from the Irish family who bought this estate in 1771. After more than two centuries of wine growing tradition and successive owners, the property was purchased by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1973. The vineyard was completely restructured and massive investments were undertaken in order to renovate buildings and improve wine making and storage facilities. With a passion for excellence and the best things in life, the Baron made Clarke a benchmark for the whole region.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Appellation: Listrac-Medoc
    • Composition: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Size: 55 ha (135.9 acres)
    • Vine Age: 30 years
    • Soil: Limestone and clay
    • Density: 7,000 vines/ha
    • Training: Natural grass cover, double Guyot
  • Vintage Report

    • Harvest Date(s): Merlot from September 15 to September 23; Cabernet Sauvignon October 24 and 25
  • Vinification

    • Fermentation: The grapes are put into vats via gravity flow, followed by cold soaking and fermentation in both oak and stainless steel tanks. Moderate extraction adapted to each vat by pumping over and delestage (rack and return)
    • Aging: 16 months, 100% in barrels (two-thirds new and one-third second fill)
  • Technical Information

    • Alcohol: 14.0%
  • Tasting Notes

    • Chateau Clarke 2003 is a beautiful crimson color with a deep purple rim. Both intense and complex, the nose displays fresh fruit aromas (blackcurrant and black cherry) and elegant oaky nuances, as well as hints of menthol and liquorice. The wine starts out round and straightforward on the palate. It goes on to show how serious it is thanks to a rich, concentrated and velvety tannic texture along with beautiful acidity that provides balance and freshness. This wine has excellent ageing potential with a suggested drinking window to 2023.