Updated: Dec 17, 2024
The Setting. Located just a kilometre from the beautiful village of Saint Emilion, Château Larmande is one of the oldest estates in the appellation, dating back to 1585. The estate creates its wines using age-old methods and state-of-the-art technology. It selects the best grapes from each parcel and vinifies them separately in small vats, allowing for full expression of the terroir.
The Terroir. The grapes are grown on the north slope of Saint Emilion, where red cherry/plum fruit is well associated with most vintages. The vines primarily grow in clay, with some limestone and sand, which adds complexity and a mineral finish. The wine's composition typically comprises 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; it undergoes approximately 18 months of ageing in a combination of new(66%) and used(33%)oak, and this typically results in a wine with a dry, plummy, and nutty finish. Since 2018, 10% of the harvest has been aged in amphoras to enhance the fruit character while maintaining freshness.
The Vintage. The 2013 vintage of Château Larmande is a testament to the estate's commitment to quality and innovation. This vintage is characterized by its red fruit-driven profile, showcasing primarily red fruits, prunes, plum and blackcurrants, making it a pleasant experience for the palate. This bottle is approachable, with polished tannins and fresh acidity balanced by spice and toasty tobacco hints. The palate mirrors the nose, featuring added dimensions of menthol and rich black fruits, leading to a dry and nutty finish. This unique taste profile sets the 2013 vintage apart and makes it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Why Chateau Lamande 2013? I was first introduced to this wine by the maker, Claire Thomas-Chenard, who communicates exceptionally well. Following her activities in the first Vinexpo in Hong Kong, she hosted a tasting with leading bankers and connaisseurs in Central for me. She drew my attention to the rare red fruit notes, which become exceptionally well-balanced, delicate, and elegant upon aeration.
The 2013 vintage of Château Larmande has received moderate praise, partly due to the lacklustre vintage. However, if you're looking for honest fruitiness and approachability, what can you expect at this price level for a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé?
The wine achieved a notable score of WE93 in barrel tasting. The review describes it as "both tannic and fruity, a balanced wine that could go far." It has weight, dark, dry tannins, and juicy blackcurrant fruitiness. This accolade is a testament to the quality and potential of this wine, reassuring you of its excellence and inviting you to experience it for yourself.
On the palate, you’ll find intense cherry fruit (both black and red) and fresh strawberries, offering a ‘creamy’ texture reminiscent of an excellent aged Rioja. The structure includes well-integrated acidity and light tannins, making it moreish and pleasant. Touches of dark chocolate, meaty flavours, and liquorice emerge on the back palate. The aftertaste is clean and intense on the nose. Tertiary aromas dominate, characterized by prunes and ripe fruit, harmoniously blending with spicy and balsamic notes from barrel ageing. Black pepper also serves as a reminder of the Graciano in this blend.
This wine demonstrates its elegance primarily on the palate. Its entrance is subtle, gradually releasing a flood of sensations. Hints of liquorice, candied fruit, and cocoa resurface, as do the balsamic notes detected on the nose. The well-balanced acidity and polished tannins emphasize its silkiness and roundness. It is a plush, sweet, and delicate wine, rich with nuances and complexity.
There is no reason not to purchase this wine unless you are not a fan of the traditionally tertiary style of Rioja Gran Reserva.
Why?
- It has excellent bottle age and is from a legendary vintage (2004, comparable to 1982 or 2005 in Bordeaux).
- It has received fantastic scores (97 from Decanter).
- It is offered at a great price (for reference, Haut Brion 2010 and Mouton 2010 also have the same Decanter score but are selling at significantly higher prices).
- This is a wine to keep (from 2004 onwards).
- It boasts perfect provenance (the frosted Burgundy-style bottle features a label with a Rembrandt-style portrait of a Spaniard, and the bottle is wrapped in a thin, twisted-gold-wire mesh).
- It was recognized as the Wine of the Year (2013) by one of the world’s premier wine magazines, Decanter.
This 2012 Château Lanessan wine is a visual and olfactory delight. Its vibrant blend of colours, including bright, dark, and ruby hues, is a feast for the eyes. The fascinating array of dry extract notes, with aromas of rose, violets, and lavender, and a fresh hint of orange peel, blackcurrant, and fruit pastilles, creates a symphony of summer fruits in full bloom that is sure to captivate your senses.
The wine reflects its aromatic profile on the palate, presenting herbal and spicy dimensions alongside well-balanced red and dark fruit flavours. It has a classic firm structure, is medium-bodied, and showcases mild alcohol 13.5%. The tannins are well integrated by now, and the wine's 'simple' complexity has evolved beautifully. The balanced tension on the palate adds charm, making it a delightful drink that maintains its intensity.
This mid-weight Bordeaux has peaked, offering an exceptional experience for those who fully appreciate its unique qualities. Its short-medium length finish makes it a versatile choice, perfect for both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts. We would rate this well-balanced and authentic Haut-Médoc at 91 points (DD91)for its incredible ease of drinking, making it a wine that can cater to various preferences and occasions.
The 2012 Château Lanessan, in particular, offers excellent value for its quality, making it a smart choice for any wine lover. The vintage was particularly challenging due to variable weather conditions, yet Lanessan succeeded in producing a classically styled Médoc red wine that is ready to enjoy now. Its style may remind some of Château Gruaud Larose and Château Lynch-Bages. The average age of the vines at Lanessan is 30 years, with a plantation density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Château Lanessan is a respected Cru Bourgeois property in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux. It describes itself as a Grand Cru Hors Classé, a designation from a previous owner's decision not to submit samples for the 1855 Classification. As a result, its traditional ranking as a 4ème Cru Classé was never ratified. Nonetheless, the chateau is known for producing wines of Cru Classé quality at Cru Bourgeois prices, showcasing exceptional quality and value.
The vinification process occurs in traditional concrete vats, with malolactic fermentation occurring in the tank. The wine is aged for about 12 months in a combination of 33% new French barrels, 33% one-year-old French oak barrels, and 33% two-year-old French oak barrels. The blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Expert scores for all off-vintage or even some of the best vintages tend to be lower, generally in the 86-92 points range. However, Lanessan wines only add to their appeal, as they allow you to enjoy a wine of this quality at an affordable price, making them an excellent deal for any wine lover.
