Château des Laurets Puisseguin Saint-Emilion

Introduction

WINERY: Château des Laurets is located in Puisseguin Saint Emilion AOC and was purchased by Benjamin de Rothschild in 2003. The vineyard, dating back to the 12th century, is set on hillsides facing due south, punctuated by limestone outcroppings and small pockets of clay. This superb clay–limestone soil is ideal for growing Merlot, the leading grape variety in Saint–Emilion, which draws all its power and character from this type of soil.

WINE: A classical Right-bank blend with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep, ruby-red color. Showing tremendous balance and freshness, the nose displays intense aromatic complexity with spicy nuances followed by hints of vanilla and morello cherry.

The winter came in two stages, first cold and dry, then warm and still dry. The spring offered warmer than usual weather, before the frost at the end of April. The buds on the lower part of the estate were destroyed, but the vines located on the plateau were preserved. The summer was very hot in late June, and cooler and damper in July and August, with a hot September following, which allowed the grapes to reach maturity (the fastest since 2003). A very heterogeneous vintage; a very good surprise. The grapes are full and crunchy with enough sugar and black fruit aromas.
Harvest Date(s): Merlot from October 5 to 19, Cabernet Sauvignon on October 20

Fermentation: Cold soaking and fermentation in oak and stainless steel vats with automatic temperature-control. Post-fermentation micro-oxygenation during maceration and malolactic fermentation in oak and stainless steel vats.
Aging: 30% in new barrels, 30% in second fill barrels, and the rest in vats. Aging duration is 14 months.

Intense ruby red color. The first impression on the nose offers a subtle blend of black fruit aromas with a dominant blackcurrant. The aromas of fresh and crisp fruit give the wine a juicy side, all well-chiseled by an already well-integrated woodiness. The subtle, spicy notes on the finish perfectly enhance a lovely tension overall.