Château La Clarière Laithwaite
シャトー・ラ・クラリエール・レイスウェイト
The only Bordeaux estate to win Le Prix d'Excellence, hailed by Decanter as the leading estate in Castillon — Tony Laithwaite's pioneering vision since 1984.
Château La Clarière Laithwaite is one of the pioneering estates of the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, championed by British wine entrepreneur Tony Laithwaite — founder of Laithwaites Wine, the UK's largest home wine delivery company. Tony made his first vintage here in 1984, well before Castillon gained its current renown, and the estate has since been recognized by Decanter as 'the leading estate in Côtes de Castillon.' The 30-hectare property sits on the same prized limestone ridge shared with neighboring Saint-Émilion, producing richly structured Merlot-dominant blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Head winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua oversees the cellar, and the château has amassed over 100 awards across 30 vintages, including more than 20 gold medals. The estate is also the only Bordeaux property to have received Le Prix d'Excellence — an exclusive French distinction awarded to just 12 estates in France.
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for Bordeaux enthusiasts seeking medal-winning, Decanter-endorsed quality from a storied estate that rivals Saint-Émilion at a more accessible price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Tony Laithwaite and what is his connection to this château?
- Tony Laithwaite is the founder of Laithwaites Wine, the UK's largest home wine delivery company. He was a passionate pioneer of the Castillon region, making his first vintage at Château La Clarière in 1984 — long before the appellation gained its current recognition.
- What is Le Prix d'Excellence and why is it significant?
- Le Prix d'Excellence is an exclusive French award given to only 12 estates across all of France. Château La Clarière Laithwaite is the sole Bordeaux estate to have received this prestigious distinction, recognizing outstanding quality and winemaking excellence.
- How does this wine compare to Saint-Émilion?
- The estate sits on the same limestone ridge as Saint-Émilion and uses the same grape varieties and climate. Decanter has described it as the leading estate in Castillon, offering comparable quality to many Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines at a more accessible price.
- What grape varieties are used in Château La Clarière?
- The wine is a blend primarily of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, grown on limestone soils that provide the same terroir advantages as neighboring Saint-Émilion.
- What food pairs well with Château La Clarière?
- The wine's medium-to-full body and structured tannins make it excellent with steak, duck, venison, roasted lamb, slow-braised pork, and aged hard cheeses. For Japanese cuisine, it pairs beautifully with beef sukiyaki and grilled wagyu.