90 Points - International Wine Report. Sharing the same terroir of the most prestigious Bordeaux, this  exceptional wine from Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary on the opposite bank to the prestigious appellations of Margaux & St Julien. Benefiting from the cool sea breezes and river minerals from the Gironde, this superb Merlot dominated wine is beautifully fresh with layers of exotic spices. On the palate this is medium-bodied and well structured with flavours of fresh red and dark fruits which are laced with exotic spices that expand through the wine. Shows notable length on the finish. This should continue to drink well for better half of a decade. A real gem from an under-valued appellation and fantastic vintage.

About the Producer

The de Lagarcie family are wonderful ambassadors of the Blaye appellation. The current owner and winemaker, Benoit de Lagarcie loves his soils and knows his land. He observes the sky each day to reflect upon the climate of tomorrow and listens to his partners, his markets and his consumers to enable him to make the best wine possible.

A property owned and farmed by the de Lagarcie family since 1989, this tiny 4 hectare property stands on superb terroir. Standing by the Gironde estuary, the grapes are kept in perfect shape by the sea breezes, and the temperature fluctuations between night and day bring all of the fresh fruitiness needed for this superb wine. A southern exposure brings the sun needed during the day to bring the grapes to superb maturity.

It is very interesting to observe on a map of Bordeaux, that the Blaye appellation is a mirror image of the Margaux and Saint Julien appellations. Whilst the terroir is different because of the separation by the Gironde river, the climate and proximity to the river minerals are the same.

Taste

The 2016 Château Crusquet de Lagarcie Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opens to inviting aromas of red cherries which are woven together with Asian spices, pepper and tobacco with hints of floral and cedar. On the palate this is medium-bodied and well structured with flavours of fresh red and dark fruits which are laced with exotic spices that expand through the wine. Shows notable length on the finish. This should continue to drink well for better half of a decade.

Awards

90 Points - International Wine Report

"The 2016 Château Crusquet de Lagarcie begins with aromas of begins with aromas of cherries and spices are woven together with wet stones and tobacco. On the palate this is medium-plus with a silky texture and notable depth through the finish. This is drinking nicely today and should offer a drinking window that spans over the next few years."