Château LaSuite

Sarabande 2016

Edition available – details at the bottom of the page ↓
Slow, dignified, with quiet complexity – that's how a sarabande sounds, that's how this wine tastes.

This cuvée is the heart of our winery and is made each year from all of our estate's red grape varieties. Thanks to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, it unfolds flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and graphite, underscored by the earthy notes of Cabernet Franc. Typically, 18 months of aging in mostly used barriques lends depth without heaviness. A multi-layered red wine that invites contemplation and gains in complexity with each passing year.
Limited edition/edition
11687 Bottles
→ On the meaning of limitation
Decanters
Recommended
Yes, feel free to give the wine an hour in the decanter before enjoying it.
→ On the importance of decanting
Expansion
17 months in barrique, 50% new wood
→ On the importance of the expansion
Drinking window
2025–2036
→ On the importance of maturity
Grape varieties
75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc
Year description
The 2016 vintage was characterized by a very rainy season until May. Flowering proceeded correctly and uniformly. The dry conditions from June until harvest favored a slow and even ripening of the grapes. The weather conditions ensured an excellent degree of ripeness.

Quality is a choice.

Diese Entscheidungen folgen unserer strukturellen Haltung.

01. The origin

In the vineyard

Radical yield reduction and strict selection of plots.

Radical yield reduction and strict selection of plots.
→ Definition of selection
03. The result

In the glass

Dense texture, cool fruit and long aging potential.

Dense texture, cool fruit and long aging potential.
→ Definition Structure
philosophy

"A TRIBUTE TO COMPLEXITY"

Sarabande is the centerpiece of our suite – a wine that only develops its balance and unique identity over time.

To understand our stance: Why style is not a goal, but a consequence.

Maturity forecast

Based on vintage characteristics & storage

Barrel aging Bottle aging 2016 harvest 2026 Release 2025 Enjoyment Start PLATEAU 2036 Final Ideal TODAY
The ascent

Ready to drink. Please decant.

More about our definition of drinking maturity → More about understanding the maturity plateau →

Character & Flavor Profile Sarabande 2016

Understanding the model better

Culinary Resonance

A wine perfect for evenings by the fire or a nice dinner with a small group of friends.

Perfect for that

Ox cheeks – slowly braised with sarabande, orange & herbs
Perfektes Match

Ox cheeks – slowly braised with sarabande, orange & herbs
Bœuf Bordelais – slow braised with gigue
Perfektes Match

Bœuf Bordelais – slow braised with gigue
Coq au Vin – Sarabande & morels, jus assembled
Perfektes Match

Coq au Vin – Sarabande & morels, jus assembled

Suite Identity Card

Sarabande 2016

Sarabande is the centerpiece of our suite – a wine that only develops its balance and unique identity over time.

Scientific basis

PRECISION AND METHOD

The Suite's philosophy describes our approach. However, its implementation in the vineyard and cellar follows a clear methodological structure. Our work is rooted in the tradition of modern oenology, as shaped by figures such as Jean Ribereau-Gayon – one of the key founders of scientifically based winemaking and long-time owner of Domaine aux Conseillans.

His research on malolactic fermentation and the systematic integration of chemistry, microbiology, and practical application has decisively shaped today's precise, controlled winemaking methods – including those used here on our estate. Without these foundations, the modern methods we employ would be inconceivable.

We see our work as a continuation of this scientific approach: maturity is assessed, processes are documented, and decisions are made consciously. The suite provides the internal order – oenology supplies the tools.

Further insights

Precision in the vineyard Decisions in the vineyard Transparency in viticulture Why details matter in winemaking The oenological history of the Domaine aux Conseillans
Origin & Soil

The terroir: Sarabande

Enter terroir description here, Rich Text

Enter terroir description here, Rich Text
parcel map
Plot overview
aerial view
Atmosphere – our playlist for Sarabande 2016
Album Art

Sound of Sarabande 2016

Listen on Spotify

Discover other vintages of the Sarabande

der Barrique-Reifekeller des Chateau LaSuite aux Conseillans in Bordeaux
die Parcelle 13 als Beispiel für das Terroir des Chateau LaSuite aux Conseillans in Bordeaux
Full data sheet & facts: Sarabande 2016 Expand or collapse datasheet
Full data sheet & facts: Sarabande 2016
Winemaker & Location Château LaSuite aux Conseillans – Domaine aux Conseillans
Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux (France)
philosophy Plot vinification in the nature reserve
New Bordeaux
vintage 2016
Grape varieties 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc
Vinification & Aging

17 months in barrique, 50% new wood
Limitation 11687 Bottles
Serving temperature

16-18 degrees Celsius (slightly cooler than modern room temperature)
Decanters

Yes, feel free to give the wine an hour in the decanter before enjoying it.
Technical analysis Alcohol 13.5%, pH 3.71
Drinking window (ideal) 2025 – 2036
Suitable recipes

Discover the entire repertoire of the Château LaSuite aux Conseillans

Sarabande

Sarabande
Gigue

Gigue
Prélude

Prelude
Caprice

Caprice

Allemande
Louré

Louré