Description
Château la Garde has an exceptional quality terroir, possibly one of the finest gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
La Garde produces wines whose attractive ripe fruits and integrated tannins are immediately appealing but whose depth and complexity reveal great power.
The 2021 vintage inaugurated new winemaking facilities at Château La Garde. Explicitly adapted to handle the unique mosaic of soils, the winery is instrumental in creating a Pessac-Leognan grand vin: elegant, pure, and highly distinctive.
Grape
52% Cabernet-sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit verdot
Vineyard & Vinification Note
HVE3 and Terra Vitis certified (High environmental value certificates)
Château La Garde was one of the first properties to introduce integrated viticulture, which produces premium quality grapes with total respect for the environment and humanity. Studies on the estate have analysed the correlation between grape ripening and soil quality and subsoil, particularly regarding water retention capacity. This has resulted in a highly detailed mapping of the vineyard, identifying individual rows or micro-plots within each parcel which reach full ripeness at the same rate. As a result of trials previously undertaken on test plots, coupled with our in-depth knowledge of the vineyard, our teams can now tailor and fine-tune viticultural practices in each zone accordingly. Carefully considered soil management techniques – tailored ploughing methods and green fertiliser – and an environmentally conscious approach to protecting the vineyard (reducing inputs, sexual confusion to combat pests, machine weeding, manual canopy management and yield control) promote harmony in the vine. These detailed, rigorous techniques are essential in controlling yields and plant vigour, resulting in optimised grape ripeness. Severe pruning, for example, promotes even budburst, while bud stripping, secondary shoot removal, desuckering, and leaf stripping improve air circulation around the grapes and guarantee healthy fruit. The grapes are harvested selectively on a row-by-row basis and with meticulous care, ensuring that only perfectly ripe grapes of uniform ripeness enter the tanks.
Pre-fermentation cold maceration.
Alcoholic fermentation occurs with very few manipulations (pumping-over, pigeage). Malolactic fermentation occurs partially in barrels. Ageing in barrels takes place in an arched underground cellar with air conditioning for 12-14 months. Cooperage savoir-faire and oak selection are combined when choosing the barrels to best suit the characteristics and style of Château La Garde wines.
Tasting Note
“Deeply intense, almost black and purple-tinged appearance, offering a complex, intense nose exuding roasted, smoky notes. Supple on the attack, the wine rapidly develops generous mouthful defined by lovely, expressive fruit, concentration and depth, underscored by delicate tannic structure; very smooth, despite the intensity. The appealing harmony is echoed in the long, flavoursome finish.” Frédéric Bonnaffous, Dourthe Estates Director
James Suckling
Violet, dark-berry and stone aromas follow through to a medium to full body. Linear and very fine. Tight and fresh. Precise and beautiful. A serious young red. Drink in 2022. 93 Points, February 2018
Wine Spectator
Solid, with a youthfully tight core of juicy blackberry and black currant paste flavors, wrapped with brambly grip and backed by twinges of tar and anise on the finish. Needs a touch of cellaring to unwind fully. Best from 2020 through 2030. 15,750 cases made. 91 Points, James Molesworth, March 2018
Food Pairing
It is a very good match with game, red and white meat, and cheese.
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