Château du Courlat Cuvée Jean-Baptiste

The Cuvée Jean-Baptiste from Château du Courlat stands for 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 shows aromas of dark cherry, plum, and a subtle note of cedar wood and tobacco – typical for aged Merlot from a limestone subsoil. On the palate, medium to full body, velvety tannins, and a pleasant length with a spicy finish.

Serving temperature 16–18 °C. Decanting recommended – the aromas open up significantly after at least 30 minutes. Pairs well with beef fillet with red wine jus, leg of lamb with herb crust, or a mature Comté.