Château Meyney is the region's oldest established vineyard. Wine was made here in the 1600s for the monks who lived in the Couvent des Feuillants, as Meyney was then known. It became a private estate following the French Revolution and had a reputation for solid Bordeaux but was never classified. It sits right next door to Château Montrose, lying on the same ridge which runs adjacent to the nearby Gironde, but on sandier soils. The 51 hectare estate is planted with approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. It is owned by Crédit Agricole Grands Cru and the winemaking overseen by Anne Le Naourand consultant oenologist Hubert de Bouärd, from Château Angélus.

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost commune of the Médoc, its vineyards hugging the Gironde estuary where breezes temper Bordeaux’s maritime climate and help grapes ripen slowly and evenly. Expect long, gentle seasons with plentiful sunshine and a moderating river influence—ideal for building structure without sacrificing freshness.

The hallmark terroir is a patchwork of gravel croupes over clay and limestone. Compared with its southern neighbours, Saint-Estèphe has a higher proportion of clay, which drains less rapidly, encourages later ripening and lifts the role of Merlot alongside Cabernet Sauvignon; Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot play supporting parts

Styles are classically Left Bank: deeply coloured, firmly tannic and intensely scented—blackcurrant, graphite, cedar and spice—yet increasingly refined, with vibrant acidity and impressive ageing potential. Many tasters still note the commune’s trademark grip in youth, which mellows into complexity and poise with time in bottle.

In short, Saint-Estèphe marries power with precision: a cooler, clay-rich counterpoint within the Côte de Médoc that delivers characterful wines built to age gracefully.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted and celebrated red grape varieties, known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential. Originating in Bordeaux, France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it has become a global benchmark for structured, full-bodied red wines.

Viticulturally, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy, late-ripening grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces small, thick-skinned berries, contributing to its bold tannic structure and deep colour. The vine is relatively resistant to disease and adapts well to diverse soils, making it suitable for a wide range of terroirs.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is planted extensively across the world—from its French homeland in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to California’s Napa Valley, Chile’s Maipo Valley, Australia’s Coonawarra, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch. It often forms the backbone of blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines, but also shines as a varietal expression.

Flavour profiles typically include blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, mint, cedar, and tobacco, often developing notes of leather, earth, and spice with age. Styles range from fruit-forward and plush in warmer climates to structured and herbal in cooler ones. Cabernet Sauvignon’s power, elegance, and longevity make it a cornerstone of fine red winemaking worldwide.

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted and popular red grape varieties, prized for its soft texture, approachability, and rich fruit character. Originating in Bordeaux, France—particularly prominent in the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol—Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties to add suppleness and ripe fruit.

Viticulturally, Merlot is an early-ripening grape, making it well-suited to cooler climates. It thrives in clay-rich soils, which enhance its plush texture and depth. However, it can be sensitive to frost and overly vigorous if not carefully managed, sometimes leading to high yields and diluted flavours.

Today, Merlot is grown extensively around the world, including in France, Italy, the United States (especially California and Washington State), Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. In each region, it adapts to different styles—from soft and fruity to structured and age-worthy.

Merlot wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and flavours of plum, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and sometimes herbal or earthy notes. In warmer climates, the wines tend to be richer and fruitier, while cooler regions produce more restrained, elegant expressions. Merlot’s versatility and charm make it a staple of both varietal wines and blends worldwide.