Château Les Combes Cuvée “Louis-Gabriel” Lussac-Saint-Émilion 2018.

Appellation: Lussac-Saint-Émilion AOC
Grape Variety: 100% Merlot. 100-year-old vines. 1 Hectare.
Alcohol Content: 14.0% ABV
Maturation: Matured for 14 months in French oak to refine the wine’s structure, enhance aromatic complexity and support its exceptional ageing potential. 50% new oak, 50% 1-year-old.

The Château Les Combes Cuvée “Louis-Gabriel” is the flagship wine of the estate, crafted in strictly limited quantities—just 3,000 bottles—from selected old vines and only in the finest vintages. This is a profound expression of Right Bank Merlot, combining power with remarkable elegance and precision. Deep garnet in colour, the bouquet unfolds in layers of ripe black cherry, cassis, damson and blackberry compote, intertwined with notes of cedar, dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, truffle and sweet baking spice. The palate is richly textured yet impeccably balanced, delivering impressive concentration without excess weight. Silky, finely sculpted tannins frame a core of pure dark fruit, while subtle oak and mineral freshness provide length, tension and extraordinary persistence. Every element is harmoniously integrated, resulting in a wine of genuine depth, sophistication and quiet authority.

Designed with fine dining in mind, Louis-Gabriel is an outstanding partner for dry-aged beef, other gamey meats, slow-braised short rib, wild mushroom dishes and mature hard cheeses. Equally at home on premium restaurant wine lists or in the collector’s cellar, this limited-production cuvée will reward both immediate enjoyment after decanting and patient cellaring for a further 5 to 10 years, developing ever greater complexity, nuance and finesse.