Chateau Clarisse Puisseguin Saint Emilion 2018

Château Clarisse Puisseguin Saint-Émilion 2018 is a richly textured right-bank Bordeaux that combines classic Merlot charm with the aromatic lift of Cabernet Franc and the rarity of Carménère. From an outstanding vintage, this wine delivers both immediate pleasure and the structure to evolve gracefully. Its blend and meticulous crafting make it a distinctive choice for those looking to explore a more characterful side of Saint-Émilion’s satellite appellations.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Château Clarisse shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is expressive and layered, opening with ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry compote, followed by notes of violet, graphite, cedar and a touch of sweet spice and cocoa. Carménère lends a subtle twist of wild herbs, pepper and a gentle balsamic edge, adding complexity to the aromatic profile. On the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied wine with supple, velvety tannins and a generous core of dark fruit. Juicy blackcurrant, black cherry and crushed raspberry are supported by hints of tobacco leaf, licorice, mocha and a refined mineral line. The Cabernet Franc brings freshness and lift, while the Carménère adds a savory, spicy nuance on the long, polished finish. Well-balanced acidity and finely woven tannins suggest very good aging potential; it is already approachable with a short decant but should develop greater nuance over the next 8–12 years.

Production
Château Clarisse lies on the limestone and clay slopes of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, a terroir closely linked in character to neighboring Saint-Émilion but often with a slightly cooler, more elevated profile that preserves freshness. Vines are typically hand-harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness, allowing careful selection of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the rare Carménère. In the cellar, grapes are sorted and vinified in temperature-controlled tanks to gently extract color, aroma and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (a mix of new and used) to add texture and complexity, while keeping the emphasis on purity of fruit and the expression of site.

Food & Serving
This 2018 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is an excellent partner for roasted lamb, grilled entrecôte, duck breast, and classic beef dishes such as ribeye or beef bourguignon. It also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda, and with earthy mushroom-based dishes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and freshness. Decant for 45–60 minutes in its youth to soften the tannins and allow the bouquet to fully open; older bottles will need a gentler, shorter decanting just to remove any sediment.

Producer
Château Clarisse is a relatively young yet ambitious estate in Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, founded by Olivia and Didier Le Calvez with the goal of crafting refined, terroir-driven right-bank Bordeaux. Benefiting from expert consulting and a strong focus on parcel selection, the estate has quickly earned attention for the precision and personality of its wines. Its use of Carménère—a nearly forgotten grape in Bordeaux—underlines a forward-thinking approach rooted in tradition but open to innovation. Today, Château Clarisse is regarded as one of the more dynamic names in the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion appellation, contributing to the growing reputation of these satellite vineyards as sources of high-quality, characterful wines.

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