LOOP LINE TASTING NOTES | This 7 hectare vineyard is situated along the edge of Saint-Émilion’s famous limestone terrace, just a few dozen meters from the centre of this medieval town. The vineyard is planted on a south-facing limestone plateau (hence its name, “the greenhouse”) covered with a thin layer of clay and averages 35 years of age.
M. Luc d’Arfeuille, the estate’s passionate owner, favours a traditional approach in both the vineyard and the winery and his methods ensure that this exceptional terroir is perfectly expressed in his wines. The soil is tilled manually to avoid the use of herbicides, and vineyard work is kept to the minimum to allow the vineyard’s natural character to shine through. Traditional interventions such as pruning and disbudding suffice to control yields.
The estate has recently introduced some modern elements, such as pre-fermentary cold maceration and, more recently, optical sorting, to allow only the purest expression of this privileged terroir. M. d’Arfeuille and his team seek balance in all aspects of winemaking, pursuing the legendary elegance of the wines that have been produced on this historic land for centuries.
The wines of Château La Serre are deep and generous with a streak of minerality.
“This will take a little longer to come around than the 2015 vintage at La Serre, displaying grip right through the palate. The mid-palate fills out with blackberries and black cherries lifted by violet notes. It speaks clearly of its limestone soils with the freshness that runs through it, although it’s a touch subdued right now. Extremely pretty and will age well. Harvested 10-21 October, with no added sulphur during vinification, and matured in 50% new oak. Stéphane Toutoundji consults.” 94 points, Jane Anson, Decanter, October 2018
“This has aromas of hung meat, spicy red and dark plums and cherries with some chalky nuances. This leads to a succulent, juicy and vibrant array of fresh, crisp tannins that deliver fresh red-berry flavors. Try from 2022.” 92 points, James Suckling, February 2019
“The 2016 La Serre is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It has a medium garnet-purple color and reveals a vibrant nose of red cherries, blueberry pie and fresh plums with nuances of pencil lead, wild sage and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, refreshing and wonderfully juicy in the mouth, it has a lovely soft texture and a pleasant herbal lift on the finish.” 92 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, November 2018
MADE BY | CHATEAU LA SERRE
REGION | SAINT-EMILION, BORDEAUX
GRAPES | 80% MERLOT, 20% CABERNET FRANC
SIZE | 750ML
ALC. BY VOL. | 14%
