Laguna Cellar Wine of the Month - December 2024

For December’s wine selection, we feature these wines:

• A jewel of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux: L'Hêtre 2018

• A rising star from Fronsac: Château La Dauphine 2020

• A prestigious Pomerol: Château Nénin 2011

• A luxurious Champagne: Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 2014

L’Hêtre is owned and produced by the Thienpont family, known for their prestigious Pomerol estate, Le Pin. This superb wine beautifully encapsulates the elegance and depth of Bordeaux’s right bank. Located in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, just east of the prestigious Saint-Émilion, the estate shares many of the same exceptional terroir characteristics that define the region. L’Hêtre benefits from the Thienponts’ decades of expertise in crafting extraordinary wines. The vineyards are predominantly planted with Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc. The 2018 vintage is a perfect example of a modern Bordeaux wine that is particularly striking, with its ripe black fruit flavors and a harmonious structure that promises excellent aging potential.

Château La Dauphine is located in Fronsac, an area in Bordeaux once more famous than Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. In the 18th century, Fronsac’s wines enjoyed the best reputation in the Libourne area (i.e., the Right Bank of the Dordogne River). They sold at higher prices than those of Saint Emilion and Pomerol. With significant investment in vineyard management and cellar techniques in recent years, the estate has embraced modern, sustainable practices highlighting the region's unique terroir. Focusing on quality over quantity, Château La Dauphine produces elegant wines with a perfect balance of fruit, structure, and finesse. The 2020 vintage captures the estate's terroir, characterized by its deep, vibrant color and expressive aromas of ripe red fruit.

Château Nénin is one of the most respected estates in Pomerol, dating back to the 17th century. Initially owned by the Nénin family, the château’s vineyards have passed through several hands over the years, including the Delon family, who acquired it in 1997. Under the Delon family's stewardship, the château has refined its winemaking practices, elevating its reputation for producing wines of exceptional richness. Known for their lush, velvety texture and deep fruit flavors, Château Nénin's wines offer immediate pleasure and long-term aging potential. The 2011 vintage is a stunning example of Château Nénin’s signature style, elegant, powerful, and refined, made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Perrier-Jouët is one of Champagne's most iconic houses, known for crafting exceptional vintage. Founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and his wife, Adèle Jouët, the house has a rich heritage of producing champagne that embodies the artistry and tradition of the region. Over the years, Perrier-Jouët has become synonymous with luxury and innovation, making it a favorite among discerning connoisseurs. The Belle Époque cuvée, introduced in 1964, is a tribute to the house’s timeless style and the period of refinement and artistic flourishing that gave rise to its distinctive floral bottle design by Emile Gallé. The 2014 vintage of Belle Époque is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with Chardonnay taking the lead. This Champagne is perfect for celebrating the holiday season and New Year.

L'Hêtre 2018 - No ratings

Château La Dauphine 2020 - "The best I've tasted from this Château, the 2020 Château La Dauphine offers a terrific array of red and blue fruits as well as some classic Right Bank chalky minerality, medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, concentrated profile, and some background floral nuances. Drink this smoking good Fronsac over the coming decade." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/30/2023), Ratings: 93

Château Nenin 2011 - "This is balanced, graceful, white pepper spice, complex and concentrated with pencil lead and grilled oak. Plenty of raspberry leaf and violet flowers, showing precision and grace - less Pomerol signature than the warmer vintages, but it is a delicious wine with plenty of life ahead. 35% new oak."- Jane Anson, (02/28/2022), Ratings: 92

Perrier-Jouët 2014 - "A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier with a dosage of eight grams per liter, the 2014 Brut Belle Epoque is turning out well today, evoking aromas of white peach, pear, spring flowers, almonds flowers and lemon oil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, it’s fresh and charming with a delicately tense mid-palate and a saline, mineral finish. Long and penetrating, this is an excellent rendition of this cuvée." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (3/29/2024), Ratings: 93+, Drink: 2024-2030