Saint Estephe

Saint Estephe is at the northern end of the left bank communes of the Haut Medoc, and is, maybe unfairly, perceived as the least famous, and the least illustrious of the big four Medoc communes. It is further away from the river Garonne, and therefore benefits less from the iconic gravel soils of the area; here the soil is heavier, and more clay based. The does mean that Merlot does very well here, putting it more in line with the communes of the right bank. Also, due to the cooler temperatures, Merlot is better suited than Cabernet Sauvignon, but the vines are slower to mature and reach ripeness. Cabernet Sauvignon is still just over 50% of plantings, but Merlot is close behind at around 40%.

The cooler climate has resulted in the wines gaining a rustic reputation, being either very tight and tannic in youth and needing more time to open and blossom than the other Medoc communes. But, if you prefer a Bordeaux with some strong Merlot influence and are willing to wait, you will find yourself well-rewarded. Wines at the affordable end of the scale are approachable and soft with Merlot the majority in the blend.

At their best Saint Estephe wines can offer great value and include a number of 2nd growth wines (deuxieme cru classe), including Chateau Cos d’Estournel, and Chateau Montrose.