Chateau du Courlat 2016
From the long driveway of Cyprus trees on your approach, this estate inspires peace and tranquillity. Nature is present at every turn, with a large lake at the centre of vines, forest and chateau. This harmony is the dream that has long sustained the wines of Château du Courlat. The ivy-covered facade still shows the tower which was once owned by the Seigneurs Barons de Montagne. In the Middle Ages, they planted the first vines, at the same time as the Saint Emilion Jurade was created. The slopes of Lussac were sought after for the quality of their clay soils, peppered with traces of limestone.
Even as a child, Pierre Bourotte was drawn to Château du Courlat and knew he wanted to continue his grand-father’s work. The property today counts 17 hectares of vines, and is run by Jean-Baptiste Bourotte, and has long since taken its place at the very top of the appellation Lussac Saint Emilion.
Even as a child, Pierre Bourotte was drawn to Château du Courlat and knew he wanted to continue his grand-father’s work. The property today counts 17 hectares of vines, and is run by Jean-Baptiste Bourotte, and has long since taken its place at the very top of the appellation Lussac Saint Emilion.
| Wine Advocate: 91 |
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| The 2016 Du Courlat has a rich, slightly jammy bouquet with redcurrant and cranberry fruit. The palate is well balanced with juicy tannins, rich but nicely controlled with a very poised and tensile finish. Now this is a lovely Lussac Saint Emilion in the making. One to watch out for. |
| Wine Enthusiast: 90 |
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| Black, solid and richly structured, this wine is all about its dark fruits and dry core. A suggestion of too much extraction gives a dry edge to the wine while the rich tannins of the year are still a major factor. It should soften, so it's best to wait for the rich fruits to come through from 2022. |
| Vinous: 90 |
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| The 2016 du Courlat Cuvée Jean Baptiste has a rich, opulent bouquet of kirsch, boysenberry jam and cassis aromas that becomes more floral in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and grippy in the mouth, offering toasty tannin, a tarry texture and fine acidity. The stocky, tobacco-tinged finish belies the fact that this is 100% Merlot with no Cabernet. |
| James Suckling: 91 |
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| Attractive ripe red fruit with some subtle nuances of undergrowth, leading to a palate that has a fresh, juicy array of ripe red-fruit flavors and chalky, fine tannins. A blend of 90 per cent merlot and ten per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2021. |