Château LARMANDE 2000
In Saint-Émilion, Château Larmande is among the oldest estates of the appellation and benefits from a vineyard located about one kilometer north of the medieval town. The estate extends over a single terroir where clay-limestone, clay-siliceous soils, and sandier areas meet, a diversity that contributes to the complexity of its wines. Classified as a Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion, Larmande has long built its identity around a grape blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by the two Cabernets. The property came under the control of the La Mondiale group in 1990, a period that accompanied a new phase of development for the cru. The 2000 vintage is one of the great years of the right bank of Bordeaux, with Merlots reaching a particularly accomplished maturity and naturally rich tannins. Château Larmande 2000 was noted from its youth for its success, depth, and balance. More than twenty-five years after the harvest, it is now in a phase of full maturity where tertiary characteristics gradually take over from the initial fruit.
The vintage is based on a strong majority of Merlot, associated with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot brings flesh, roundness, and a deep expression of plum, black cherry, and ripe fruits, while Cabernet Franc provides more freshness, floral finesse, and spices. Cabernet Sauvignon completes the structure with a straighter frame and additional persistence. Manual harvesting preserves the integrity of the grapes before vinifications conducted with sufficiently measured extraction to maintain the balance of the matter. Barrel aging then supports the structure and promotes the gradual integration of tannins and woody nuances. In a generous year like 2000, this construction gave the wine enough depth to last more than two decades in the cellar. Today, the structure has largely softened and the wine favors harmony, aromatic complexity, and a smooth texture.
The color shows an evolved garnet, with more marked ruby and tile nuances on the rim. The nose develops aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant, and evolved black fruits, accompanied by cedar, tobacco, and licorice. With aeration, fine leather, undergrowth, cocoa, sweet spices, and touches of dried violet gradually appear. The palate is supple and harmonious, with widely polished tannins and a matter now more delicate than imposing. A freshness still present maintains length and balances the nuances of ripe fruits, damp earth, and tobacco. The finish extends on evolved blackcurrant, leather, spices, and undergrowth, in a typical register of a Saint-Émilion that has reached maturity. Château Larmande 2000 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, game stew, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Majority Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
