2016 Chateau La Garde - Pessac (750ml)

From the gravel soils of Château La Garde in Pessac-Léognan, the 2016 Château La Garde delivers a profoundly dark, inky color that signals its depth and intensity.

Nose: a dense forest fruit bouquet featuring blackberries and rich dark cherries, entwined with spicy, smoky undertones that hint at its layered complexity.

Palate: immediately generous and expressive, with concentrated fruit that coats the palate while a delicate tannic frame provides structure. The wine remains smooth and poised, building to a long, elegant finish that lingers with refined persistence.

Vintage notes: the 2016 growing season began with a rainy, warm start that refreshed soil water reserves, essential for the vines. Sunshine then dominated from mid-June through harvest, with a long, dry spell that amplified ripening. Red varieties benefited from favorable day/night temperature swings, helping to develop aromas and fruit concentration. Harvest took place selectively from 4 to 18 October. Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot.

Food pairings: this Cabernet Sauvignon–driven Bordeaux pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye or lamb chops, game meats, and mushroom-forward dishes, as well as aged cheeses that can stand up to its depth and structure.