St Estephe
St Estephe, the most northerly of the main Medoc communes is home to only five classified growths. The best terroirs are centred around the plateau that overlook the Gironde estuary and where the terroirs are good, they are simply exceptional. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on the gravel soils and further inland the higher percentage of clay suits Merlot beautifully. When young the wines are dense and full of structure, they age gracefully and once mature can rival the best Bordeaux has to offer. Ch. Montrose, Cos d’Estournel & Calon Segur are the leading properties here.