Château La Clarière 2020

The premium appellation of Saint-Émilion makes some of the world’s most sought-after Bordeaux. But with “Saint-Émilion producing too many mediocre and overpriced wines…it’s not surprising that some customers’ eyes have wandered eastward to Castillon,” says Decanter.

Castillon is still big news, with many top names from Saint-Emilion (and beyond) flocking there in recent years. But it was Tony Laithwaite who got there first. A passionate pioneer for Castillon, his first vintage was in 1984. Since then, Château La Clarière Laithwaite has been hailed as “the leading estate in Côtes de Castillon” by Decanter, and has won over 100 awards (including more than 20 golds) during the last 30 vintages.

Today, the wine is made by Tony’s head winemaker, Jean-Marc Sauboua, who’s picked up the reins with serious gusto. After winning the exclusive Le Prix d’Excellence (given to just 12 estates in France—and only one in Bordeaux) a few years ago, La Clarière is hotter than ever.

The 2020 edition has won 7+ prestigious gold medals plus two 90-point scores (from Gilbert & Gaillard and the 2021 Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition).

A rich, full-bodied blend of mostly Merlot, with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for structure, it was given a luxurious, 16-month slumber in French oak barrels. Look for ripe, plummy fruit flavor, framed by warming spice notes and velvety tannins. Just the thing for steaks, stews and other hearty fare. Order now.