Saint-Estèphe

Saint Estèphe Appellation is located on the left bank of Medoc, which situated at the northernmost tip of famous 4 villages. It totally covers 1250 ha, compare with the other three, it is the second largest area of domaine, but its development of wine-making is later than the other three. In Saint Estèphe, only 5 Chateaus became Grands Crus Classés in 1855, which is the least of famous 4 villages. However, it has emerged a group of outstanding and valued Cru Bourgeois in the development of recent decades. Heavy clay base dominants this area which means poorer-draining soils, delayed ripening of grape completely. As the result, most of the wines from Saint Estèphe are bold, tannic and solid, loads of fruit flavour in youth. Compare with the other wine of Medoc, the wine from Saint Estèphe is a big wine.

Estates: There are 5 Grands Crus Classés, 43 crus bourgeois, 25 others.
Soil: The thickness of surface soil approximately one to three metres (maybe more), the following is limestone (Saint-Estephe calcrete) or limestone with oysters. Rich in clay, the average elevation is about 40 metres.
Area: 1250 ha
Major grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
Age: 10 to 20 years and better vintage even up 30 years.
Vintages(recommended): 2005, 2003, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1986, 1983, 1970.
Character: Saint-Estèphe wines are very dark colour, often release cassis, violet, liquorice and spicy aromas etc., acidic, powerful tannins, full-bodied, bright tone with fresh, elegant scent. Rough and masculine, these wines need Lengthy aging.

The Wine King of Saint-Estèphe is Chateau Cos d’Estournel, which is the 2nd growth in 1855 classification, and the next is Chateau Montrose (which is 2nd growth too). There also holds the 3rd growth Chateau Calon-Ségur, 4th growth Chateau Lafon-Rochet and 5th growth Chateau Cos Labory. In addition, there is a few crus bourgeois that could compare with some 4th or 5th Grands Crus Classés, even higher, such as: Chateau Phelan Segur, Chateau Marbuzet, Chateau Meyne, Chateau De-Pez, etc.