At a glance

Producer

Chateau du Courlat

Region

Lussac-Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-28 USD (retail), $15-25 EUR (Europe)

Tasting profile

Ripe red and black fruits (plum, blackberry), subtle spice, hints of earth and cedar. Integrated oak, soft tannins, medium body.

Evolution: Tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor will become more pronounced after peak.

At peak: Elegant, balanced, with mature fruit and harmonious tannins—best enjoyed between now and 2026 for expressive complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, well-integrated, becoming supple with age

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (approximate typical)

Aging potential

Showing approachability now, but can age gracefully for several more years before decline

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2042

Optimal window

2021 to 2045

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Approaching peak maturity: tannins have softened, fruit is integrated, further tertiary development can occur with short-term cellaring.

The 2016 vintage in Lussac-Saint-Emilion delivered excellent ripeness and balance, allowing mid-tier chateaux like Courlat to produce wines with solid structure and aging capability. The softer style of Merlot-blended Right Bank wines reaches expressive maturity within 7-10 years after bottling; thus, 2023–2026 should offer optimal enjoyment.

Food pairing

Ideal with roast lamb, duck confit, grilled pork loin, hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), or lentil stews with herbs.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins that are well-integrated and will benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Traditional Bordeaux vineyard management; use of sustainable practices (cover crops, limited synthetic chemical inputs) is likely but not independently verified. No overt communication of organic/biodynamic standards; no specifics on energy or water management published.

Chateau du Courlat is a classic, family-owned Right Bank Bordeaux estate. As of the 2016 vintage, there is no third-party certification for organic, biodynamic, or HVE (sustainable) status. The property adheres to regional agricultural regulations, and like many small Bordeaux chateaux, may employ some reasonable practices for soil and pest management, but there is no verifiable public record of significant sustainability initiatives regarding resource use, packaging, or carbon reduction. Transportation to international markets increases the carbon footprint. Consumers seeking wines with verified, high sustainability credentials may wish to look for estates with recognized organic, biodynamic, or sustainable certifications.