La Chimère de La Clarière 2021

Blending claret with a riper style of Rhône red may seem revolutionary, but dates back to before appellation controlée rules and was common until the 20th century. It was often nicknamed La Travail à l’Anglaise – ‘the English way’ – because its style was aimed at the English palate. A rich, lusciously ripe red that is ready for drinking right away. Just recently Château Palmer revived the tradition, charging almost as much per bottle as they do for their Grand Vin! With a Bordeaux château of his own, Tony Laithwaite asked his winemaker Jean-Marc to make one to be at least as good (but thankfully at a fraction of the price). It’s a luscious blend of his Castillon claret with well-ripened, top-quality Rhône Syrah, all aged in cask.