The huge estate of Laujac is located in the heart of the Médoc region. It covers some 400 hectares in total, of which 75 hectares are planted to vines. It encompasses two vineyards classified Crus Bourgeois in 1932: the Laujac vines are beautifully sited on filter gravels, providing excellent natural drainage. While the Laffitte vines grow in chalky-clay soils near the village of Bégadan. The proximity of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean provide very favourable conditions for the vines and good ripening of the grapes. Below the vineyards lie the lush meadows of the lands created by the polder dam where Limousine cattle graze peacefully along with the French saddle horses bred in Laujac.
Winemaking
Fine gravel and chalky-clay soil. Density of 6,600 vines/ha. Sustainable viticulture. Double-Guyot pruning and leaf thinning. Yield of approximately 50 to 55 hectolitres/ha. The crop is destemmed and sorted twice at the winery. 2 vat volumes pumped over in two operations into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Fermentation temperature from 26-28°C. Maceration for 3 to 4 weeks in the vats. Ageing for 12 months in French oak barrels (30% new barrels).
Tasting notes
The colour evolves from ruby to garnet then to light-brick over the years but the brilliance and intensity will remain. This is a dense wine with a bouquet of blackcurrant and blueberry. In the mouth, the first impression is straightforward yet delicate. The fine tannins melt into the body of the wine thus giving an excellent structure that ensures good keeping potential. It will therefore improve over the years for greater appreciation with maturity.Recommended serving temperature: 16° – 18°C
Pairing recommendation
Serve with pike-perch in red wine, duck breast with cranberries or a joint of beef with mushroom sauce.