The Rothschild family of Bordeaux owns some of the most iconic châteaux in the region, including Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild, both located in the commune of Pauillac in the Haut-Médoc district (note: they are owned by different sides of the Rothschild family). These estates are two of the five Grand Cru Classe châteaux in this area, and the wines are among the most sought after of any red wines in the world.

But the family also owns other châteaux in Bordeaux that are not as famous as their two flagships. One of these is Château Clarke in Listrac-Médoc, located nine miles northwest of the city of Bordeaux, a few miles south of Pauillac. What is notable about this estate is the quality/price ratio for its red wines; as Bordeaux has been criticized for its lofty prices, it’s comforting to know that there are dozens of local estates that produce impressive wines that don’t cost the proverbial arm and leg.

Château Clarke is recognized as one of those estates, and when you consider the Rothschild name, that’s quite a tribute. Now with the recent release of the 2018 offering, Château Clarke is celebrating 40 vintages, so it’s a good time to examine the history of this excellent estate.