Château Haut-Rian, RIONS Michael Dietrich is an interesting man who calls himself a 'viticulteur-oenologue' and his background helps to explain his unusual approach to wine-making and just why his wines taste so refreshingly good. Dietrich is an Alsatian by birth who, in his early twenties, following a double-degree in viticulture and oenology at Beaune and Bordeaux respectively, took off to Australia for six years before returning to Bordeaux to take over Haut-Rian.
Clos Floridène, GRAVES - PUJOLS-SUR-CIRON This 21-hectare property is situated at Pujols-sur-Ciron near Barsac but in the Graves appellation and is owned by Florence and Denis Dubourdieu (hence the name!). We have always admired the tremendous dry white wines made by Dubourdieu who is Professor of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux and who is largely credited with the development of cold fermentation techniques in white wines to develop their aromatics and overall complexity. Of the 14 hectares of white wines, 50% are Semillon, 40% are Sauvignon and 10% are Muscadelle.
Château Carbon d'Artigues, LANDIRAS, GRAVES You will find this relatively newly-created property in the southern part of the Graves region, just to the north-west of Sauternes. It was the brain-child of two friends, Michel Bonnot and Louis-Michel Muyst, both having read oeneology together at the University of Bordeaux and, who on leaving, managed to persuade a number of growers in the commune of Landiras, who were near retirement, to sell them some prime parcels of old vineyards whose average age is now 30 years old. The first vintage released was in 1991.
Château Haut Gardère, PESSAC LÉOGNAN Haut-Gardère shares the same soil make-up as some of Pessac-Léognan's greatest wines. You will see a griffon on the wine's label which commemorates one of the estate's previous owners, Count Griffon, who acted as the Vatican's Bordeaux consul during the middle of the 19th century. There is even still a parcel of vines named the 'Pièce du Pape' from the time when a barrel of the estate's wine was sent to Rome after every harvest. Today the estate is owned by Château de Fieuzal.
Château de Fieuzal, PESSAC LÉOGNAN The estate includes 48 hectares under vine planted on a gravelly/sandy soil. The white varietals are 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon with an average age of 25 years. All grapes are picked by hand and several passes are undertaken for the white grapes, followed by rigorous sorting in the cellar. Since 1985 the élévage (ageing/development of the wine) has been controlled by Denis Dubourdieu whose skill has seen the white wine elevated to one of the most highly prized in Bordeaux. There are just 2,500 cases of white wine made.
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, PESSAC LÉOGNAN Grand Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan Domaine de Chevalier was bought by the Bernard family in 1983 and a significant amount has been invested in the vineyards and cellars since. Its principle production is in in the Grand Cru red whilst the white wine only accounts for about 12.5%. The estate's ability to produce both red and white of equal stature is as a result of its fine terroir coupled with great care and attention in both vineyard and cuvage. The poor soil results in naturally very low yields which further adds complexity to its wines.
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