Château Clarke owes its name to an Irish family who bought the estate in the 18th century. Baron Edmond de Rothschild purchased Château Clarke in 1973 and entirely renovated it. The 54 hectares of vines grow on clay limestone rises perfectly suited to the Merlot variety (practically unique among fine Médoc estates). Since September 2001, the grapes have been hand-picked and brought to the cellar in small crates so as not to bruise them. They are then carefully sorted, crushed, and fermented in superb wooden vats. The wine is moved by natural gravity flow from the vat room to the cellar’s lower level, where it ages (essentially in new oak barrels) for 14-18 months. Reflecting its terroir, Château Clarke is concentrated and elegant. It combines power and subtlety, and has great ageing potential.
Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has headed Château Clarke’s dynamic winemaking team since 1997, displaying a passion for excellence in keeping with his father’s vision. ©ugcb
