Wines Bordeaux Ch Lavillotte St Estephe 2019 - 2019

Château Lavillotte Saint-Estèphe 2019 is a classic red Bordeaux, crafted primarily from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and possibly a touch of Petit Verdot, characteristic of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. The 2019 vintage was marked by a warm summer, with enough rainfall to ensure full ripeness, resulting in wines of excellent concentration, structure, and vibrancy. Vinification typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of spice and vanilla. Expect deep ruby colour, aromas of blackcurrant, plum, graphite and cedar, with firm tannins and a lingering mineral freshness, reflecting the gravelly-clay terroir of Saint-Estèphe.

Saint-Estèphe, situated at the northern tip of the Médoc, is renowned for its robust, long-lived red wines. The vineyards benefit from a temperate, oceanic climate, buffered by their proximity to the Gironde estuary. The soils here are a distinctive mix of gravel atop dense clay, which provides excellent drainage but also retains enough moisture to aid vine resilience during dry spells. Historically, Saint-Estèphe’s reputation for wines with power, freshness, and an earthy, savoury character has remained strong among Bordeaux aficionados, with some estates dating back centuries and adhering to traditional winemaking methods.

For a wine such as Château Lavillotte 2019, pairings should complement its structure and depth. Classic accompaniments include roast lamb with rosemary, entrecôte bordelaise, or duck breast in red wine sauce. Regional dishes such as confit de canard or a hearty cassoulet will also partner beautifully, as their rich flavours harmonise with the wine’s concentration and tannins. Aged cheeses like Comté or Tomme de Savoie offer a fine match to its savoury profile.

Serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will allow the youthful tannins to soften and the aromatics to fully express themselves. This Saint-Estèphe will age gracefully but offers pleasure now with suitable aeration.