Château de Colombe Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2018

The Laithwaite family are really on a roll in Bordeaux, especially since Decanter magazine highlighted their Verniotte property as an “estate to watch.” This exclusive red is from Château de Colombe, the family’s other exciting estate, located in the village of Sainte-Colombe in the heart of Bordeaux’s Castillon region.

Expert and Decanter columnist Oz Clarke writes that Castillon is a “rising star,” whose limestone plateau is the “seamless” extension of storied Saint-Emilion. And, just like the wines from its famous neighbor, Château de Colombe is Merlot dominant, with healthy doses of both Cabs (Franc and Sauvignon) adding structure and finesse.

Last vintage, Chaâteau de Colombe won two gold medals and was called “a Castillon which without doubt has plenty of potential for ageing” by Gilbert & Gaillard judges. The 2018 release arrives with its own acclaim – a gold medal from the China Wine & Spirits Awards.

A beautifully balanced Merlot blend, Château de Colombe offers up generously ripe, dark plum on the nose, plus hints of licorice and spicy oak. The palate is intense with dark fruit and savory complexity. If possible, decant an hour before serving to really let these aromas and flavors shine, then serve with fork-tender pot roast or our favorite match: a flame-grilled steak topped with sautéed shallots.

Hurry for your share – this is small-production Bordeaux at its best, and won’t be around for long.