Château de Colombe Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2019

The Laithwaite family are really on a roll in Bordeaux, especially since Decanter magazine highlighted their Verniotte property as an “estate to watch.” This exclusive red is from Château de Colombe, the family’s other exciting estate, located in the village of Sainte-Colombe in the heart of Bordeaux’s Castillon region.

Expert and Decanter columnist Oz Clarke writes that Castillon is a “rising star,” whose limestone plateau is the “seamless” extension of storied Saint-Émilion. And, just like the wines from its famous neighbor, Château de Colombe is Merlot dominant, with healthy doses of both Cabs (Franc and Sauvignon) adding structure and finesse.

Previous vintages of Château de Colombe have won major gold medals and been called “a Castillon which without doubt has plenty of potential for ageing” by Gilbert & Gaillard judges. And thanks to the exceptional 2020 vintage, the new release is every bit as impressive...

A beautifully balanced Merlot blend, Château de Colombe offers up generously ripe, dark plum on the nose, plus hints of licorice and spicy oak. The palate is intense with dark fruit and savory complexity. If possible, decant an hour before serving to really let these aromas and flavors shine, then serve with fork-tender pot roast or our favorite match: a flame-grilled steak topped with sautéed shallots.

Hurry for your share—this is small-production Bordeaux at its best and won’t be around for long.