Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2016 Laussac has a charming if slightly rustic bouquet that is well defined and fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, quite classic in style with plenty of undergrowth-infused black fruit towards the finish, but I like the length and its nascent stubbornness. This could well turn out to be a very delicious Côtes de Castillon. Rating: 89-91
The property that is located in the community of St Magne de Castillon is spread over 28 hectares of vines. The annual production is 180,000 bottles that is divided into 1 rosé wine and 4 red wines that correspond to each, individual terroir.
Alexandra and Nicolas acquired the chateau in 2004. Since then it has been the renowned Oenologist, Michel Rolland, who is consultant. Chateau de Laussac benefits from the most attentive and enlightened care in both the vineyard and the cellar with a spirit of excellence and a quest for perfection. With uncompromising conviction, today it pursues its ascension towards greater refinement and complexity. Chateau de Laussac crafts wines of a rare pleasure, voluptuous, that enchant both amateur and fine connoisseurs alike.
Though the region is larger than many of its Right Bank neighbors, it is one that consistently produces high quality, well-valued red wines. In fact, Cotes de Castillon can almost be considered a geographical eastern extension of St. Emilion, producing similarly-fashioned reds based on Merlot.
Vineyards in the region’s clay, limestone and sandstone soils produce sturdy red wines. On alluvial terraces, in vineyards closer to the Dordogne River, wines tend to be more supple and fruity. In either case, a great Cotes de Castillon red will be bursting with raspberry, plum and blueberry, have an enticing bouquet of dried flowers and a finish that is plush and opulent.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.