Chateau De Lavagnac

Chateau De Lavagnac is a Bordeaux red blend from a historic 15th-century estate, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2015 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the Lyon International Wine Competition, and Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss has scored the estate's top cuvée, La Grande Dame, at 90 points.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Bordeaux, France  |  Bordeaux Blend  |  Producer: Maison Riviere

Production & Heritage

Château De Lavagnac is a striking former fortress dating to the 15th century, with the residence framed by two majestic towers rising from the heart of a single, unbroken 20-hectare vineyard parcel. The estate is managed by Maison Riviere under the guidance of acclaimed Bordeaux consultant winemaker Stéphane De Renoncourt. The blend is Merlot-dominant at 75%, supported by 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Viticulture follows a reasoned approach, incorporating manual deleafing and green harvests to concentrate fruit quality, with selected cuvées aged for 12 months in wood.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe plum and dark cherry before shifting toward warm spice and a subtle aromatic lift. Deeper inhalation reveals layers of red and black fruit that speak to the Merlot-heavy blend.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, led by blackberry and black currant. At mid-palate, soft tannins provide generous structure without harshness, while crisp acidity keeps the wine balanced and lively. A warm, spicy character develops through the peak, lending depth to the ripe fruit core.

Finish: The finish carries good length, with lingering notes of dark berries, subtle oak spice, and a suave, rounded texture. Tannins fade gently, leaving a clean and satisfying close.

How to Drink Lavagnac

Lavagnac drinks well at cool room temperature, around 16–18°C. A brief decant of 20 to 30 minutes helps open the aromatics and soften the tannins. For cocktail-curious drinkers, this Bordeaux blend works in a Bordeaux Sangria — its berry-forward profile marries naturally with fresh citrus and stone fruit; a Claret Cobbler — the soft tannins integrate well with sugar and seasonal fruit; and a classic Kalimotxo — the fruit-driven, approachable style holds its own when mixed with cola over ice.

Best For

• A weeknight dinner alongside roasted meats or pasta with red sauce
• Gifting a Bordeaux enthusiast who appreciates historic estates
• Hosting a casual wine tasting focused on Merlot-dominant blends
• Building a cellar with accessible, gold-medal Bordeaux selections

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chateau De Lavagnac taste like? Lavagnac delivers ripe plum, blackberry, and black currant fruit backed by soft tannins and warm spice. It is a juicy, medium-to-full-bodied Bordeaux with crisp acidity and a suave, rounded finish.

How does Lavagnac compare to Château De Beaulieu? Both wines are produced by Maison Riviere and share a similar Bordeaux pedigree at comparable price points. Lavagnac tends toward a richer, more fruit-forward style from its 75% Merlot blend and benefits from consultant winemaker Stéphane De Renoncourt's direction.

Is Lavagnac good for drinking on its own? Yes — the soft tannins, ripe fruit, and balanced acidity make it an easy-drinking Bordeaux that rewards casual sipping at cool room temperature without requiring food or elaborate preparation.

Where is Chateau De Lavagnac made? Château De Lavagnac is located in Bordeaux, France, on a 20-hectare single-parcel vineyard surrounding a 15th-century fortress. The estate is managed by Maison Riviere, a Bordeaux-based producer.

What foods pair well with Lavagnac? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's spice and dark fruit. Beef bourguignon mirrors its rich, savory profile. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese draws out the subtle oak notes. Mushroom risotto pairs with its earthy undertones. Roasted duck breast works well alongside the juicy berry character and soft tannins.

What sizes does Lavagnac come in? Château De Lavagnac is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Lavagnac worth the price? Lavagnac positions as a value-tier to mid-range Bordeaux that consistently punches above its weight class, with gold medals from both the Lyon International Wine Competition and Challenge International du Vin validating its quality relative to cost.

Why Chateau De Lavagnac?

Few Bordeaux wines at this price tier carry the pedigree of a 15th-century fortress estate and the involvement of a consultant as respected as Stéphane De Renoncourt. The vineyard's single 20-hectare parcel provides consistency and terroir cohesion that fragmented holdings cannot match. Multiple gold medals — at the Lyon International Wine Competition and Challenge International du Vin — alongside Wine Enthusiast recognition reinforce Lavagnac as a serious estate delivering reliable, expressive Bordeaux. For drinkers seeking a Merlot-led blend with genuine history and proven critical approval, this is a bottle that earns its place on the table.