Chat with Vinny
About the estate
42 years ago, Tony Laithwaite had a call from his mentor, Monsieur Cassin, the man who taught him everything he knew. Would he buy his estate, Château La Clarière, and prove to the world what they both already knew – that the wines of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux can be as fine as any from next door Saint-Emilion? The same prized limestone ridge underscores both. Over 80 Golds and four Trophies later, Tony believes they are on the way, but he’s only managed it with the help of loyal supporters, his Confrères.
Since 1984, Confrères have signed up for a case of the Grand Vin, Château La Clarière, in advance. This has meant essential investments could be made and the upshot … La Clarière is one of the most successful estates in Castillon. Many top Bordeaux names have followed Tony’s lead – next door is Stéphane Derenoncourt at Domaine de L’A, Jean-Luc Thuvenin of Valandraud fame, Stephan Graf von Neipperg at Château d'Aiguilhe, even Jacques Thienpont of Le Pin ... but La Clarière was there first. And supporters, Tony's Confrères, enjoy his great Bordeaux at a very special partners-only price each year.
Come and see for yourself!
If you're ever in the area, make sure you book an appointment to visit. The team at the château would love to show you round. Have a taste from barrel and enjoy a tour of the winery. You can even book the château and stay, if you like.
Latest News
Your much anticipated bottles of 2022 have just been released – you can read all about the vintage and the extremely delicious wine below. It’s a claret with considerable heft and substance, ripeness and depth … a real treat.
Latest on vintage 2023
October 2023
The white grapes for 2023 were all in by 25th August. Tony Laithwaite was out there during harvest to see these grapes coming in. There’s news just in from Jean-Marc on the red grapes too. Read both of their report here.
It’s your château – now you can stay there too!
We're delighted to offer Vineyard Partners the opportunity to book Château La Clarière with its two luxury ensuite bedrooms (maximum four guests), with full use of a smartly furnished, modern kitchen and the beautiful, spacious Great Hall. You'll have the entire place to yourselves!
The château is available exclusively to Vineyard Partners and their guests for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 nights.
Find out more about La Clarière
Welcome
Take a look around the Château
Your 2020 update
Tony Laithwaite checks in with winemaker Jean-Marc Saboua
Meet the team!
Head winemaker Jean-Marc Saboua and his team look forward to your visit
Image gallery
Mustard plants are sown between the vine rows to plough back and enrich the soil
The Great Hall at Château La Clarière
The barrel hall at the château
The wine library, with bottles of La Clarière from every vintage since 1984
The team, with winemaker Jean-Marc second left and estate manager Vincent, centre back
The luxuriously furnished upstairs bedroom
Vintage information
We will update our vintage information regularly to keep you informed with what’s drinking well now and what will reward keeping. These wines are best opened early and decanted. They will become more complex with further cellaring, but are still very pleasurable to drink now.
Vintage |
|---|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Drink/Keep |
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Drink by 2037, drink or age |
Drink by 2036, drink or age |
Drink by 2039, drink or age |
Drink by 2040, drink or age |
Drink by 2040, drink or age |
Run out of your partnership bottles?
You can stock up here or place an order with your Wine Guide. Naturally at the same special bottle price you paid for your partnership case.
Contact the team about visits and stays
Château La Clarière
8 Route de Sainte-Colombe
33350 Saint-Magne-de-Castillon
France
