Chateau la Claymore is owned by the Begerac-based Dubard family. There are 33 hectares of mainly Merlot grapes situated in the heart of Lussac Saint-Emilion, a satellite of Saint-Emilion that also borders Lalande-de-Pomerol and Montagne Saint-Emilion to the east of Bordeaux. The name of the estate is an apparent reference to the big sword (Claimh mhor) of the Scottish Highlanders who invaded the region in 1370. This rich and elegant, award-winning red is a blend of 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet and 7% Malbec to be precise from 15 year-old vines and is aged in a combination of old and new French oak barrels for 18 months. As with most Merlots, this would pair excellently with beef dishes.
A concentrated purple-red in colour. On the nose, aromas of candied blackcurrant, white pepper and a hint of wood. The palate is full-bodied with earthy, spicy notes and harmonious tannins. Flavours of cassis and fraises des bois on the finish. A rich and approachable red. Drink with roast wild duck with a quince purée, game terrine studded with wild mushrooms and hazelnuts or oxtail braised in red wine.