Chateaux Profiles

Château L’Evangile, The Gospel and the real “Little Lafite”

The Chateau L’Evangile was acquired by the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1990 – as Baron Eric de Rothschild said “We could never resist to an extraordinary, unique terroir. Very different from the Médoc but absolutely outstanding”. In fact in years past L’Evangile was second only to Petrus in Pomerol. Once in Rothschild hands a programme of renovation and rejuvenation got … Read more

Discovering Pinot Noir Beyond Burgundy

Burgundy may be the home of great Pinot Noir but if you know where to look you can pick up some amazing discoveries that don’t command a hefty price tag. In France, Pinot Noir is also found in the Haute Vallée de L’Aude, where it produces wines of great quality. The Haute Vallée de L’Aude … Read more

Discovering Chateau de Lauriole – A Wine Made by a Gourmet on a Long Lost Island

Could it be that wines sometimes take on the characteristics of their makers? Sometimes you come across one that does. Chateau de Lauriole is made by Jean Michel Laplagne in the Isle Saint Georges, a long lost island in the River Garonne upstream of Bordeaux, near to the Pessac Leognan appellation. The chateau is named … Read more

Saint Emilion – a Hot Property and a Hotbed of Rivalry?

Saint Emilion is one of my favourite appellations; not only does this AOC produce lovely wine but it is also surprisingly pioneering. It was, afterall, the centre of the garagiste movement and is also home to a set of innovative and experimental winemakers (see my blog Unclassifiable Bordeaux and White Saint Emilion). It certainly houses some … Read more

Discover a Little Treasure for Christmas: Chateau Mayne Pargade

We have a lovely white wine which would be beautiful with your Christmas Turkey – it is, quite simply, delicious This terrific wine comes from Chateau Mayne Pargade in the sleepy little hamlet of Soulignac, near Haut Benauge, and is, in fact, owned by the local Mayor, Alain Pargade. Alain owns several chateaux dotted about this hilly … Read more