The grapes for Château la Ouarde come from the vineyards surrounding Château de Landiras, an historic Graves property. In the 12th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux built a castle and a fortress, the ruins of which are still there today. However, the most famous resident of Landiras was Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac, founder of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady — a Roman Catholic religious order dedicated to education and the first order of women teachers approved by the church. Today, the estate is owned and operated by Michel Pelissie, a former architect whose passion is wine, and who strives to make Bordeaux of exceptional quality while respecting the environment.

Château la Ouarde Rouge is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in a combination of French oak barrels (for 12 months) to add complexity to the aromas and round out the structure, while also seeing time in tank to preserve the freshness and fruit aromas of the wine. This lovely Graves rouge drinks beautifully now, showcasing aromatic complexity and a lushness of fruit that perfectly encapsulates the vintage. In the glass, the wine pours a beautiful deep ruby color with garnet highlights and a light cherry rim. The nose is expressive with notes of lead pencil, cherries, red plum and cassis to complement the subtle spice and vanilla notes from the French oak barrels. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, silky tannins and a complex mix of fresh fruits, graphite minerality and spice with a long, harmonious finish. Enjoy with red meats — roasted, grilled or braised —or an assortment of cured meats and hard, aged cheeses.