Château Clarke — 2016
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Introduction
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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.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Listrac-Medoc
- Size: 55 ha (135.9 acres)
- Vine Age: 40 years
- Soil: Limestone and clay
- Density: 7,000 vines/ha
- Training: Natural grass cover, double Guyot
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Vintage Report
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“An atypical and outstanding vintage!” – Fabrice Darmaillacq, Technical Director
2016 was a year of contrasts at Chateau Clarke, with extreme weather conditions (a very rainy winter and an extremely dry summer), the major threat from fungal diseases and, above all, an Indian summer beyond our wildest dreams that produced exceptional fruit suitable for making great wine.
- Harvest Date(s): Merlot from September 29 to October 15; Cabernet Sauvignon from October 13 to October 18
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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)
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- Optimum Drinking: Up to 15 years, suggested drinking window is from 2021 to 2031
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Tasting Notes
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A beautiful crimson color with a deep purple rim. The extremely complex nose presents subtly roasted notes with sappy cedar aromas mingled with notes of black currant and cherry. On the palate, there are velvety tannins enhanced by magnificent freshness through to a long, delightful finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Château Clarke — 2016 – Decanter – 93 Points
This is excellent, really feels much deeper, richer and more deeply textured in its fruit expression than any others in the line-up. Intense cassis and bilberry flavours, and although this is still Merlot dominant in the blend, the Médoc character of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the tannic frame is clear.
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Château Clarke — 2016 – Jeb Dunnuck – 90 Points
The 2016 Château Clarke has some obvious oak but makes up for it with ample fruit. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with loads of black cherry and cassis fruit intermixed with graphite and leather, it has solid purity, medium body, fine tannins, and impressive length on the finish. It’s a serious wine from Listrac to enjoy over the coming decade.
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Château Clarke — 2016 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Currant and cherry aromas are underlined with iron and rust. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and chewy yet polished and poised. Tension and style at the end.