Château Clarke - a new 50th Anniversary: 25 July 2023.
Château Clarke takes its name from an Irish family who bought this estate back in 1771. After more than two centuries of wine-growing tradition and several owners, the property was purchased by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1973, so now celebrating 50 years in 2023. The vineyard was completely restructured and a large investment plan implemented to completely renovate the estate and improve the winemaking and storage facilities. Today the vineyards cover some 55ha, with vines growing in a specific mix of limestone and clay, which is ideal terroir to express the essence of the Merlot varietal, which is the predominant grape in this blend, and somewhat of a rare occurrence in the Médoc. With a passion for excellence and the best things in life, ‘Edmond de Rothschild Heritage’ has a vision to make Château Clarke a respected style for this appellation in Bordeaux.
Today, Château Clarke is headed and diligently guided by Ariane de Rothschild, with a vision clearly focused on memorable hospitality and gastronomy. I was recently invited to have an insightful tour of their vineyards, winery and cellars, plus guided through a comprehensive tasting of their wines. Along with enjoying this vertical trio, in their semi-suspended glass tasting room which over looks their vineyards *(shown below). Along with having the generous opportunity to stay the night in their charming accommodation set on the property.
*(The following wines are available online, and with a short time in your cellar and mild decanting, a charming introduction to Bordeaux red wine).
Château Clarke 2015
Grape Varietals: 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux - France
Chief Winemaker: Fabrice Darmaillacq
4 Stars ★★★★
The Merlot was hand-picked from late September to early October and the Cabernet Sauvignon in early October. After diligent vinified in oak vats and stainless-steel tanks, malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak. Aged in a mix of aged barrels with around 65% being new oak. The wine developed in French oak for around 16 months before bottling.
• This wine has subtle aromas of mixed forest berries, cacao, deft smoked oak, and dried spice. These berry flavours confidently engage the palate, with a broad structure, defined by medium toast oak and well supported by fine grained tannins, resulting in a smooth texture. This wine is currently in a slightly disjointed stage in its ageing, I would suggest giving it 6 months to reharmonize to present its true signature. *(Tasted: 7th July 2023)
• Mild decanting & serve between 17°- 18°C : 13.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 3 - 4 years : *NZ$80.00
Château Clarke 2016
Grape Varietals: 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux - France
Chief Winemaker: Fabrice Darmaillacq
5 Stars ★★★★★
The Merlot was hand-picked from late September to early October and the Cabernet Sauvignon early-to-middle October. Vinification in oak vats and stainless-steel tanks, malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak. Aged in a mix of aged barrels with around 65% being new oak. The wine aged in French oak for around 16-18 months before bottling.
• On the nose you have inviting floral aromas, with mixed wild berries, cacao, along with infused tasted-oak and forest herbs. Those ripe red & dark berries generously engage the palate, infused with an earthy cacao, tobacco leaf, all nicely wrapped in deft oak and harmonious fine grained tannins. Resulting in an charming texture and a softly-edged structure that gives focus to the wines approachable style, poise, and appealing dry finish.
• Mild decanting & serve between 17°- 18°C : 14% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 7 - 8 years : *NZ$80.00
Château Clarke 2018
Grape Varietals: 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux - France
Chief Winemaker: Fabrice Darmaillacq
4 Stars ★★★★
The hand-picked fruit was diligent vinified in a combination of oak vats and stainless-steel tanks, with the malolactic fermentation taking place in French oak barrels. Then aged in a mix of aged barrels with up to 80% being new oak. The wine rested and developed in French oak barrels for around 16 to 18 months before tasting and bottling.
• On the nose you have refined aromas of ripe mixed red & dark forest edge berries, mild cacao, and adroit smoke-dried wild herbs. These ripe berry fruits meaningfully flow across the palate, infused with those cacao, cigar embers and deft oak all wrapped with supported fine grained tannins. Resulting in a rounded texture and a dovetail structure that showcases the wines refined style, grace, and smooth lingering dry finish.
• Mild decanting & serve between 17°- 18°C : 14% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 5 - 6 years : *NZ$80.00
*(prices, vintages & availability will vary by outlet & country)