Chateau Laforge - Saint Emilion 2011
Price: $64.95
| Producer | Chateau Laforge |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Saint-Emilion |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Sku | 56506 |
Chateau Laforge Description
VINEYARD:
CHATEAU LAFORGE is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. The vines are cropped low — around 30 hectolitres a hectare — four bunches to the vine (less than half the volume authorised by the Appellation), ensuring concentration. The soil/terroir is the three types that exist in Saint Emilion — sand, gravel, and clay over limestone. The vines that make up the gravel contribution are usually the first we pick each year — the gravel acting like a night-storage heater.
TECHNICAL:
CHATEAU LAFORGE receives two to three runs of green harvesting —at fruit set and veraison - ensuring that only the most perfect handpicked berries get into the vats. On arrival at the winery the grapes are sorted — firstly by bunch and then, after destemming, grape by grape. Only conveyors are used to transport the grapes and the wine is fermented in wooden vats after extreme cold maceration. The wines undergo malolactic fermentation in new French oak, and are aged in an air-conditioned cellar at 18 °C.
ANYTHING UNUSUAL?
CHATEAU LAFORGE used to be called PETIT MAUVINON, a pretty uninspiring name. When we bought the Chateau in 1998 we asked if they had any other names allowed and up popped CHATEAU LAFORGE. On top of that, the previous owner's grandfather used to be the local blacksmith!
James Suckling: 91 Points
Lots of tar, blackberry and earthy character with hints of dried meat. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Savory wine. Better after 2016.
Wine Advocate: 90 Points
Another project of Jonathan Maltus, the 2011 Laforge (100% old vine Merlot) offers a sweet kiss of kirsch, chocolate and licorice along with a deep ruby color, a fleshy, ripe, hedonistic personality and 7-8 years of drinkability. This lush, medium-bodied wine is again impressive.
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points
Dominated by juicy Merlot, the wine has weight, density and a full, fruity blackberry character. This generosity is balanced by a restraining dry, tannic core.
