Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Château Lestage’s vineyard dates back to Gallo-Roman times but it was only in the 19th century that the present manor, a splendid example of Napoleon III architecture, was built. Classified Cru Bourgeois Supérieur in 1932, this
classification has been confirmed in 2003. The estate is 100 acres on a single block, made of Gravelly Pyrenean soil on a limestone and clayey-limestone base.
The Chanfreau Family settled in Listrac-Médoc in 1962 when Léo purchased Château Fonréaud following his return from Algeria. A few months later, his father, Marcel Chanfreau, who also wished to settle in the Médoc, bought Château Lestage (neighboring Fonréaud) and Château Caroline. Today, Marcel's grandson, Jean Chanfreau, runs the estates with his wife Marie-Hélène and his sister Caroline Chanfreau-Philippon. He bought Clos des Demoiselles in 2002. The family-owned vineyard covers 100+ acres in the commune of Listrac-Médoc and 25 acres in the commune of Moulis en Médoc. The vines grow at the highest point in the Médoc, the Puy de Menjon, at an altitude of 140 feet.
One of the six appellations of the Haut-Medoc, Listrac has a gentle rise away from the Gironde River and contains some of the highest elevations of the Left Bank. While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, its clay limestone soils are increasingly planted to Merlot.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.