Château des Laurets : "Baron" Sélection Parcellaire 2016

The plum, oyster-shell and dried-flower character is very intense. Full body, round and chewy tannins, and a flavorful finish. This pure merlot shows intensity for this appellation. Better in 2020.

Inky black core with a purple hue. Intense nose, fine toastiness, mocha, oak and butterscotch with ripe dark fruit, cassis and blackberry. Very dense palate, intense and ample with layers of dark fruit, very high extract but ripe and polished with fine oak, a fresh acidity, layers of spicy dark fruit followed by a very long and dense finish. Youthful and massively structured and very potent.

A parcel selection, the 2016 Château Des Laurets Baron Selection Parcellaire is slightly deeper colored and checks in as 100% Merlot brought up in barrel. It offers more purity in its crème de cassis, violets, classy oak, and graphite aromas and flavors. It's beautifully balanced, has medium to full-bodied richness, present yet sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s a clear step up over the traditional cuvée and should keep for 10-15 years.

The 2016 des Laurets Baron Selection Parcellaire has a deep garnet color. It offers vivacious, youthful aromas of crushed red and black cherries, plum preserves, and forest floor, with touches of cracked black pepper and spice box. Full-bodied, the palate is still showing a fair amount of oak, with bold black fruits and a grainy texture, finishing long and woody.

Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, son of Baron Edmond de Rothschild (Château Clarke), acquired this estate in 2003. This 4-ha parcel selection is hand-harvested and 100% Merlot. Dense garnet-red hue with purple highlights. The bouquet reveals notes of black berries, candied fruit and élevage. On the palate, the aromatic imprint of the élevage is dominant. The wine is certainly creamy and charming, but it needs to gain in balance and finesse, especially on the finish. One to follow as it evolves, though I fear the oak may be too dominant. I would gladly revisit my assessment in a year’s time.