Wines Pessac-Léognan Château La Garde - 2017

Château La Garde 2017 from Pessac-Léognan is a red Bordeaux crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot, typical of the appellation. The 2017 vintage navigated a challenging year, marked by late spring frosts across Bordeaux, but the estates of Pessac-Léognan, including Château La Garde, generally recovered well. This wine typically reveals a deep garnet colour, with an aromatic profile showcasing blackcurrant, plum, subtle hints of cedar, graphite and sweet spices, a hallmark of the gravelly soils. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied, with refined tannins, a fresh acidity, and a lingering mineral undertone derived from its unique terroir. Vinification at Château La Garde involves careful extraction and maturation in French oak barrels, which contribute both structure and a delicate toasted nuance.

Pessac-Léognan, in the southern part of the Graves subregion, is renowned as the birthplace of Bordeaux’s finest dry reds and whites. The terroir is defined by deep gravel deposits overlaying clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage and fostering complex root systems for the vines. The mild, temperate climate benefits from the proximity of the Garonne River, tempering extremes and encouraging slow, even ripening of the grapes. This region boasts a rich wine history dating back to the Middle Ages, with an enduring reputation for producing elegant, age-worthy wines distinguished by a subtle smokiness and earthy character.

Château La Garde 2017 is a versatile wine for food pairing. Its freshness and supple tannins will complement classic Bordeaux dishes such as roast lamb with herbes de Provence, duck breast with a red wine reduction or entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak with a shallot and red wine sauce). Mushroom risotto, truffled poultry or aged cheeses like Comté and Saint-Nectaire are also excellent matches, highlighting the wine’s earthy, savoury notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for about one hour to allow it to open up and reveal its aromatic complexity. Serve between 16-18°C to showcase its refined texture and vibrant fruit. This bottle can be enjoyed now with some aeration or left to evolve further in the cellar for the next five to eight years.