Château Laroze Labatisse Haut Medoc 2020

Vincent Bouges is a perfect example of the involvement and motivation of the new generation to produce great wines in Bordeaux. After studying viticulture in school, Vincent worked for 6 years with the famed Cazes family at Château Lynch Bages Cru Classé Pauillac. He also accumulated enriching experiences at Château Sociando Mallet in Haut Médoc, and in Australia at Petaluma Wines Australia in Adelaide Hills. Vincent was also recently elected President of the Young Farmers of Bordeaux, further proving his commitment to the region and his craft.

Château Laroze Labatisse is a small property of less than 5 hectares, located in the commune of Saint Sauveur, 3 km West of Pauillac. This location close to the Gironde estuary and the ocean gives a climate that is both hot and humid, bathed in light and sunshine, which remains very conducive to the cultivation of vines. The vineyard in Haut-Médoc benefits from a rather sandy-gravelly soil, giving this wine a lot of generosity and real finesse. The average age of the vines is between 20 and 30 years old and the planting densities are close to 10,000 vines per hectare for the oldest plots and are now concentrated around 8,500 vines per hectare for the most recent ones. This high density creates a competition between the vines and the resulting grapes are more concentrated and therefore better quality.

The Bouges family sorts and destems the fruit then fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats for 6 to 10 days. The vatting period lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Maturing is long, partly in vats and partly for 12-14 months in French oak barrels with 50% new wood. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.