The first virtual tasting of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR) Lafite Châteaux wines was attended by media, journalists and other members of the wine industry in early 2021. Led by Olivier Trégoat, Technical Director of DBR properties outside of Bordeaux (Domaine d’Aussieres in the Languedoc, Vina Los Vascos in Chile, Bodegas CARO in Argentina and Domain of Penglai in China) and hosted by Dana Bruneau of Cuvee & Co., I was inspired to learn more about the wines and region as I sipped six quality-driven, well-priced wines. And yes, I’m planning to visit Bordeaux as soon as possible!
You’ve heard of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild family, right? If you’re a wine lover, I’m guessing you have! Their family is renown throughout the world and has been associated with the words “luxury wines” for six generations. During our tasting, a selection of their wines from unique regions between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers were poured. Boasting 58 appellations, our group uncovered extra layers of something we knew all along – in Bordeaux, there’s a wine to please everyone, even those with the most discerning palate.
Follow along and discover Domaines Barons de Rothschild Châteaux wines that are quite special indeed.
Bright, balanced and elegant, Château Rieussec 2018 ($44) is a refreshing blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Brilliant aromas of citrus and tropical fruit led to a dry palate rife with flavors of honey, peaches, elderflower, tropical fruit, pears, white flowers, minerality and a hint of oak, thanks to five months of ageing in barrels on the lees. The wine has a lengthy finish and should be open within 3-4 years of its vintage year. Enjoy this balanced, rich wine with oysters, crab cakes, or salty ham and cheese paninis.
Château Rieussec was classified as a First Growth in 1855. It’s one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vineyards of different soil types although most of the grapes in this wine were sourced from Lafite properties in Pauillac. The estate is found on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River and the Château is located adjacent to Château d’Yquem. During the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks, then was sold as a “national inheritance” after the French Revolution. Finally, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) purchased the property in 1984.
Château Paradis Casseuil formerly belonged to Château Rieussec. Baron Eric de Rothschild added this slice of paradise from the Entre-Deux-Mers to his purchase of classified growths of Sauternes in 1984. The vineyard of Paradis Casseuil was extended in 1989. It’s now one of the leading properties of the region.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild purchased this property in 1979, a year that began the “restructuring of the vineyard and restoration of the buildings.” Previously named Château Peyre-Lebade, the estate is now named Château Odilon after the famous painter who grew up on the property. In fact, Odilon Redon was inspired by the pastoral landscapes of the Médoc and his most famous paintings are a reflection of just that.
From Pauillac, Château Duhart-Milon – Moulin de Duhart 2017 ($60) is a notable wine of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon from the youngest part of the estate vineyards. What’s not to love about aromas of black cherries, oregano and pepper, then flavors of blackberries, vanilla, white pepper and lush red fruit? The ageing potential for this particular wine is shorter than expected since its time in barrels was only 12 months. Ever so balanced with satin-like tannins and bright acidity, every sip of this sophisticated wine was magnificent accompanied by a roast chicken with crispy skin.
The Rothschild family purchased Château Duhart-Milon (a “4emes Cru” in the 1855 classification) from the Castejas of Pauillac in 1962. The estate is named after the Sieur of Duhart, gun runner to Louis XIV, the original owner of the property, and the small hamlet of Milon that is found between the Duhart-Milon vineyards from those of Château Lafite.
The estate first appeared in the 1741 land registry under the name of “Fazilleau” and remained until the mid-18th century. In 1862, the owner “Isambert” renamed the estate L’Evangile. Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) purchased L’Evangile in 1990 from the Ducasse family with the idea that “the property was to be looked after to the same high standard.” There are 35 acres of vineyards with famed neighbors Château Cheval Blanc to the south and Château Petrus adjacent to the north.
Château de Cosse is the second label to Château Rieussec (see above). Selected from barrels as the same base as the “Grand Vin,” the profile of the wines is similar but ageing potential is shorter because of the length of time spent in barrel, about 12 months. Drink young and enjoy each sip!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Lynn