2019 Chateau Laforge Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Some wines come with a story. Some come with a legacy. And some—like the 2019 Château Laforge Saint-Émilion Grand Cru—come with a blacksmith’s hammer, a visionary winemaker, and a whole lot of Merlot.

Let’s rewind. Château Laforge wasn’t always the elegant Grand Cru it is today. It was once a patchwork of vineyards owned by a local blacksmith whose trade inspired the name. Enter Jonathan Maltus, the rockstar winemaker behind Le Dôme and Château Teyssier, who took one look at this overlooked gem in 1998 and said, “We can do better.” And better he did.

Fast forward to today, and Château Laforge is turning heads with a bold, opulent, and utterly irresistible expression of Saint-Émilion. This 2019 vintage is built on a foundation of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc The vines are spread across some prime Saint-Émilion real estate, from just outside the village to parcels near Château Monbousquet.

The wine is crafted with precision and innovation at Château Teyssier, where state-of-the-art, gravity-fed winemaking allows the fruit to shine. The vinification happens in temperature-controlled wood vats, and the wine ages in 80% new French oak barrels, adding layers of complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Now, let’s talk taste. The 2019 Château Laforge is what happens when dark berries, velvety tannins, and a hint of mocha decide to throw a party. The nose is a heady mix of ripe black cherries, crushed violets, and a touch of spice, while the palate is rich, smooth, and utterly seductive. It’s the kind of wine that makes you close your eyes and say, “Wow.”

Food pairings? Think perfectly seared filet mignon, truffle risotto, or a decadent cheese board loaded with aged Comté and a drizzle of honey. Or, just enjoy it on its own—because some wines deserve the spotlight all to themselves.

Château Laforge may not have a flashy castle, but it has something better: a winemaking legacy built on passion, precision, and a little bit of rebellious spirit. The 2019 vintage is proof that when history meets innovation, magic happens.

Aging: In French oak barrels.

92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. The 2019 Château Laforge is what happens when dark berries, velvety tannins, and a hint of mocha decide to throw a party. The nose is a heady mix of ripe black cherries, crushed violets, and a touch of spice, while the palate is rich, smooth, and utterly seductive. Expect waves of blackberry compote, espresso, and toasted vanilla, balanced by a silky texture and a long, lingering finish that leaves you reaching for another sip.

The 2019 Laforge has really filled out nicely. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, licorice and lavender build beautifully with some aeration. The 2019 is sumptuous, bold and racy, Laforge is an absolute joy to taste today. This flamboyant, racy Saint-Émilion will be a jewel to drink now and over the next few years. ~ 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media 

This is a fine wine with great black fruits and an impressive density. Spice and ripe tannins make for a wine for aging. Drink from 2025.  ~ 92 Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Flowers, smoke, licorice, and cherry aromas permeate the perfume. Medium-bodied, vibrant, soft and fresh, the wine is forward, polished and lifted in the red berry filled, oak accented finish. You can enjoy this just about on release. Drink from 2023-2036. ~92 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Medium deep garnet red colour. Pure nose, earthy with some truffle, dark plum, wild berry and tobacco notes. The palate is plush and warm yet with a good dose of freshness, nice layers of plump dark fruit and tobacco. Ripe but youthful tannins and a long lingering finish. ~92 Sommelier Andreas Larsson - Tasted

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