Château du Courlat Cuvée Jean-Baptiste

The Cuvée Jean-Baptiste from Château du Courlat represents what Lussac-Saint-Émilion can do on its best plots: structured Merlot with real aging potential, without the austerity of some Pauillac classics.

Château du Courlat is located in the northern part of the Bordeaux appellation Lussac-Saint-Émilion, on a plateau with clay-rich limestone soils – ideal for Merlot, which develops more depth here than in sandy locations. The Cuvée Jean-Baptiste is the estate's prestige line, selectively vinified from the oldest vines and aged longer in barriques than the standard line.

In the glass, it displays aromas of dark cherry, plum, and a subtle note of cedar and tobacco – typical of mature Merlot from calcareous soils. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a pleasant length with a spicy finish.

Serving temperature 16–18 °C. Decanting is recommended – at least 30 minutes allows the aromas to fully open up. Drinking window approximately 2024–2030. Pairs well with beef fillet with red wine jus , leg of lamb with a herb crust, or a mature Comté cheese.