Château des Laurets 2018

Winery Background and History

Château des Laurets is a Bordeaux estate in the Right Bank region, spanning the satellite appellations of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Montagne-Saint-Émilion. It was acquired in 2003 by Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild and is now part of the Edmond de Rothschild heritage portfolio.  The estate covers about 86 hectares across the two appellations, planted on south-facing slopes with some limestone outcrops.  Over time, the Rothschild ownership has invested in vineyard renewal and modernization of winemaking practices, while respect for terroir (soil, slope, exposure) remains central to its philosophy. 

Producer and Winemaker

The wine is produced under the oversight of Rothschild’s technical and cellar team. The 2018 vintage was vinified using a combination of oak and stainless steel vats, with controlled temperature, micro-oxygenation during maceration, and subsequent aging in barrel (some new and some older oak) to balance fruit purity and structural depth. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyards used for the 2018 vintage are planted primarily on clay-limestone soils.  The vines are of varied ages—including older plantings (circa 25 years in some blocks)  —on terroirs that benefit from good drainage and sun exposure. The microclimate in Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion offers Bordeaux’s typical influences: temperate maritime impact balanced by inland warmth and cooling nighttime air, which helps retain acidity in the grapes.

Vinification & Aging Methods

For 2018, after harvest the grapes underwent cold soaking, fermentation in a mix of oak and stainless vats under temperature control, and micro-oxygenation during maceration.  Malolactic fermentation followed in vats. Then the wine was aged for 14 months: about 30 % in new barrels, 30 % in second-fill barrels, and the balance in vats. 

Tasting Notes

Colour: Violet hues shimmer through the glass, indicating youthful vibrancy. 

Nose: Intense black fruit aromas—blackberry, plum—together with cedar, Morello cherry, and subtle violet notes. 

Palate: The wine displays elegance and presence, with velvety tannins, depth of dark fruit, licorice nuance, and a long persistent finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with roast lamb, beef, game (e.g. venison), mushroom risottos or hearty stews. Also pairs well with aged cheeses, duck with sauce, or dishes involving forest mushrooms.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Use a generous Bordeaux wine glass to allow aromas to open. Decant for 30 minutes or more (especially if the wine has been stored) to integrate tannins and soften oak.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine was built to age. Under ideal cellaring (cool ~12-14 °C, stable humidity, away from light), it should evolve fruit, tertiary layers and structure over 10 to 15+ years.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

80 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Franc 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14 %