Châteaux Clarke is named after Irishman Toby Clarke who bought the property in 1771. According to Stephen Brook in his book The Complete Bordeaux, the property was purchased in 1973 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild who renovated the winery and completely replanted the estate with the help of Emile Peynaud. The first vintage under Rothschild ownership came in 1978, and Brook calls out 1981 as one of the estate's better years.