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We visited this ancient estate in April 2010 and tasted this 2009 out of barrel with Luc d'Arfeuille, whose family has owned the estate for over 100 years. Château La Serre is a 17 acre vineyard at the very top of Saint-Emilion, just outside the village itself. The residence was constructed at the end of the 17th century by Romain de Labayme, who was from an ancient family of jurists & barristers at the parliament of Bordeaux and five mayors from 1541 to 1728; he was given the title 'Sir de Laserre', hence the name of the estate. Their neighbors include Pavie Macquin, Ausone, Trottevielle and some vineyards used for Valandraud. Planted on the famous chalky clay plateau, the vineyards are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Average vine age is 30 years. The wine is typically aged 16 months in 100% new oak barrels. The 2009 is one of the prettiest wines we have tasted from La Serre. It has good concentration, ultra supple tannins and wonderful balance. Plus it is an incredible value.
Wine Spectator
Blueberry, blackberry and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a juicy, chocolate finish, turning velvety and beautiful.
Score: 90-93.
—James Suckling,
2010.
Wine Enthusiast
There is wood here, the fruit is fresh, with a lively acidity on top of the core of tannin. A bright, fresh, blackcurrant wine.
Score: 90-92.
—Roger Voss,
August
09,
2010.
International Wine Cellar
Good deep ruby. Very deep aromas of black cherry, smoky plum and peppery grilled meat. Dense and sappy in the mouth, with flavors of crushed fruits complicated by cassis, coffee and a saline character. Not overly sweet but deeper and more refined than usual; previously I had found this wine to be an enjoyable but chunky mouthful. Finishes with seductive tannins and a breezy mouth feel. Probably the best La Serre yet.
Score: 89-91.
Wine Advocate
A sleeper of the vintage, this long-forgotten estate has turned out a dense ruby/purple-colored, silky smooth 2009 offering notes of spring flowers, black cherries, raspberries, and spice. It should provide enormous hedonistic pleasures for a decade or more.
Score: 88-90.
—Robert Parker,
April
2010.
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Price:$59.99 Sale$44.99 Save $15.00 (25%) SKU00841 |  |
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