The Bordeaux region of France is perhaps the most revered terroir among wine connoisseurs. It’s little wonder then, that Bordeaux is considered the “Wine Capital of the World.” Typifying this regal style of winemaking is Château des Laurets (Rothschild), a classic Bordeaux wine made from low yields and in limited production. This produces a unique treasure that only the Puisseguin-St. Émilion appellation can achieve.

No less than a member of the preeminent Rothschild family of France, the Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, purchased the Château des Laurets in 2003. His combination of wine expertise, plus his powerful name, lent the classic winery a renewed place in the French winemaking tradition. The baron’s vision has, in fact, yielded “a Rothschild discovery in classic Bordeaux.” This is one of the latest ventures for a family dynasty that dates back to the 18th century.

In 2004, the Baron Benjamin de Rothschild initiated a large-scale renovation of the estate, including a completely new winery and reconstruction of the barrel room. The result of these renovations — a new wine reflecting the highest quality and the potential of the vineyards that deserved to bear the Rothschild name. Thus, the name of the wine was changed from Tour des Laurets to Château des Laurets (Rothschild).

Bordeaux’s unique geographical location in southwestern France is divided in two by the Gironde River. Located on the Right Bank, Puisseguin-St. Émilion emerges from a micro-appellation that relies heavily on Merlot as the dominant grape varietal (the Left Bank chiefly uses Cabernet Sauvignon). The river’s moderating effects on the climate, plus the unique soil conditions in Bordeaux give wines like Puisseguin-St. Émilion their distinctive taste, body and complexity.