Country: France Region: Bordeaux Appellation: Saint Emilion Grand Cru Varietal: Merlot / Cabernet Franc Vintage: 2011 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Chateau Laforge Description: CHATEAU LAFORGE is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. The vines are cropped low — around 30 hectolitres a hectare — four bunches to the vine (less than half the volume authorised by the Appellation), ensuring concentration. The soil/terroir is the three types that exist in Saint Emilion — sand, gravel, and clay over limestone. The vines that make up the gravel contribution are usually the first we pick each year — the gravel acting like a night-storage heater James Suckling: 91 PointsLots of tar, blackberry and earthy character with hints of dried meat. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Savory wine. Better after 2016. Wine Advocate: 90 PointsAnother project of Jonathan Maltus, the 2011 Laforge (100% old vine Merlot) offers a sweet kiss of kirsch, chocolate and licorice along with a deep ruby color, a fleshy, ripe, hedonistic personality and 7-8 years of drinkability. This lush, medium-bodied wine is again impressive. Wine Enthusiast: 90 PointsDominated by juicy Merlot, the wine has weight, density and a full, fruity blackberry character. This generosity is balanced by a restraining dry, tannic core. Food Matches:Red Meat / Venison / Soft Cheese / Venison