Château des Laurets Croix des Laurets 2021

Winery Background and History

Château des Laurets is part of the Rothschild family portfolio (Benjamin & Ariane de Rothschild acquired the estate in 2003) and is located in the Bordeaux region, specifically within Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellations.  The estate has established itself by emphasizing old vines and a focus on Merlot, with some use of Cabernet Franc. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Under Rothschild’s management, the winemaking is overseen by the estate’s technical team, applying meticulous vineyard selection, sorting, controlled fermentation, and barrel maturation. The style tends to lean toward Bordeaux elegance with modern precision.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyards are located on south-facing slopes with occasional limestone outcroppings, in the satellite appellations of the Right Bank (Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Montagne-Saint-Émilion).  Soils are clay-limestone and well drained, which suits Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The climate is classic Bordeaux: moderate maritime influence, with warm summers, some rainfall, and cooling autumn periods.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Though specific 2021 technical notes are scarce, historical practice for des Laurets is to use 15–18 months in new oak barrels for its “Vieux Vignes / Old Vines” cuvées.  Fermentation likely in stainless or concrete vats, with care over extraction to preserve elegance. Barrels help integrate oak and soften tannins.

Tasting Notes

On the nose: blackberries, plums, some dark fruit compote, subtle toasty oak, chocolate, and hints of licorice.  On the palate: medium to full body, ripe red & black fruit core, firm yet refined tannins, a backbone of freshness, and a finish that shows both fruit and forest floor / earthy notes. According to Wine Enthusiast, “juicy with blackberry fruits backed by generous tannins.” 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with roast lamb, beef, game birds, mushroom risottos, or dishes with rich sauces (e.g. reduced red wine jus). Also suits aged cheeses, especially medium-hard or pungent types.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve around 16-18 °C. Use a generous Bordeaux / Right Bank red wine glass. Decanting for 30 minutes is beneficial, especially if the wine is young or has closed structure.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine should have a medium to long aging trajectory. Under appropriate cellar conditions (~12–14 °C, stable humidity, darkness), expect evolution over 8–15 years or more, allowing tertiary notes (leather, tobacco, earth) to emerge while fruit softens.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Primarily Merlot (≈ 92 %), with Cabernet Franc (≈ 8 %) as is typical for des Laurets estate blends. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5 % (as listed in Wine Enthusiast’s review for the 2021 vintage)