Chateau de Lavagnac Saint Emilion 2016

"65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc from 40+ year old vines planted in clay and gravel. Classically rendered, dusty, balanced, thoroughly delicious “baby claret.”" —importer

"Merlot crafts a sophisticated and elegant wine with delicate yet admirable structure and refined red berry aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (this last one from 100 year-old vines, compared to the average vine age of 60 years) bring accents of ripe and supple fruit, with mineral undertones from the limestone supplying freshness. Oak-aged for eighteen months, this wine is all about elegance and balance. Easy to enjoy on its own, it also pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables." —winemaker

"Deep garnet red with aromas of black cherry, this wine is fleshy, well-structured with the warm and savage of soils of the Roussillon area." —winemaker

"This wine displays a deep red hue with ruby tints and notes of sun-ripened black fruit on the nose. The palate offers a velvety texture and spicy notes underpinned by ripe black fruit, blackcurrants and black cherries. A more modern take on the traditional Côtes du Rhône style, this wine combines structure, freshness and smooth tannins. It has a seductively elegant, intense and long-lingering finish." —winemaker

"Les Darons is an accessible wine with loads of character. Packed with ripe, red and dark fruit aromas, this Languedoc red has plenty of spice and a streak of underlying minerality." —winemaker

"Dark and very intense colour of deep ruby. Ripe aromas of small black fruit dominate (blackcurrant, blackberry), though with good freshness. The palate is fleshy, with a nice touch of tannin. Long, caressing finish. To be watched during ageing, which will seek to bring out the harmony and the balance." —winemaker

Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

"A custom cuvée for European Cellars and a joint project between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, Bastide Miraflors is a cuvée created from old vine Grenache grown on the schist and granite soils of Saint-Paul de Fenouillet, a terroir that always ripens late in the year, and Syrah from gravelly soils near the Mediterranean. After a long maceration of six weeks, the wine ages for 12 months in roughly 3/4 concrete vats and 1/4 600L French oak demi-muids." —winemaker

"Robert Parker at one time called Recougne the finest Bordeaux Superieur. It is an estate that has produced wine for over 400 years, and its name is said to have come from King Henri IV in the early 17th century, in 'recognition' of the quality of its wine. The vineyard surrounds the Chateau and the winemaking facilities, and was classified under the Fronsac Appellation, which it straddles, many years ago. Merlot is best suited to the terroir and is the majority planting (75%), complemented by both Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Factors that contribute to the quality of the vineyard include: several parcels of very old vines of 50+ years, environmentally friendly viticultural techniques, minimal spraying, low yields through green harvesting, and excellent canopy management." —importer

Blend: 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Carmenere

"Good juice. Warning of great thirst! Deliciousness, roundness and aromatic purity. This wine reflects the entire palette of our terroirs. It is intense and fresh, with multiple scents of red fruits, spices or licorice. Soft in the mouth and instantly pleasant." —winemaker

"Profoundly anchored in the Ventoux terroir, Grenache and Syrah express themselves here, with brilliance, indulgence and suppleness. A deep ruby color and an intense nose with spicy notes (especially black pepper) and red berries. This very balanced wine offers very round tannins and fresh berries aromas, with some floral and spicy flavors." —winemaker