2018 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml)

Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“A classy Larrivaux”

Neal Martin, Vinous

Described as “a confident and enjoyable slice of Haut-Medoc” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, it’s hard to beat the elegantly structured 91 pt. 2018 Chateau Larrivaux, a sleeper of the 2018 vintage boasting fresh dark fruit hinting of spice and graphite with smooth, ripe tannins that’s ready to enjoy over the next decade and priced for Bordeaux bargain hunters to reach for often.

Located near the border of Saint-Estephe just west of Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Larrivaux is situated on a lush 80-hectare estate with 20 hectares planted to vines surrounded by forests and verdant fields in the Haut-Medoc. Boasting a legacy of Bordeaux wine making throughout her family tree, Larrivaux’s energetic owner Berangere Tesseron is one of the multiple generations of women who have managed the estate since 1580, her husband Basile Tesseron who runs nearby Lafon-Rochet a nephew of Pontet Canet owner Alfred Tesseron. Planted mostly to Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, Larrivaux’s sustainably farmed vineyards are divided into three plots, two composed of gravelly soils with deep reserves of clay and the third primarily limestone and clay with vines averaging over 35 years of age. From a vintage described as “an exceptional year for Bordeaux wines” by James Suckling, the Merlot-dominated 2018 Chateau Larrivaux was aged in 20% new French oak for 16 months under the direction of consulting enologist Eric Boissenot, famously referred to as “Bordeaux’s secret weapon” by the Wine Spectator, yielding fresh ripe fruit with balanced acidity and tannins and a vibrant, earthy finish, built for a decade of drinking pleasure ahead.

Declared “an especially fine vintage” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the appealing 91 pt. 2018 Chateau Larrivaux offers lots of Haut-Medoc charm with substantial depth for aging, its superb value price making it a top pick for an everyday Bordeaux.

91WA

91WS

91JS

90V

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larrivaux rolls slowly, sensuously out of the glass with alluring notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and crème de cassis with hints of candied violets, Chinese five spice and camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with generous black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and soft acidity, finishing long and earthy.

91 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

Fresh and juicy, with a tasty mix of raspberry, cassis and plum fruit notes that are framed nicely by a dark tobacco edge. Tarry hint adds some bass to the finish. Really solid. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2029. 4,583 cases made.

91 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)

Red cherries, crushed berries, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and red tea on the nose. Hints of citrus zest. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Fresh and mineral. Drink from 2022.

91 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Larrivaux did not suffer any mildew in this vintage. It has an expressive bouquet, a mix of red and black fruit intermingling with cedar and freshly rolled tobacco. The palate has pleasing precision and harmony, finer tannins than many of its peers and a very pretty, focused, quite vivacious finish. This is a classy Larrivaux that seems finely chiseled, and it should age with style.

90 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

#FRLAME18DE

$19.88

Compare At: $23.99

55 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

Add a Case of 12

Add to Wishlist