Haut-Médoc, 2015

Clos du Jaugueyron is now composed of 16 parcels around Macau and Arsac, scattered between forest, ocean, and estuary. Granted Demeter certification back in 2008, Michel loves being among his vines, observing and connecting to nature, he adapts his work to the many different soils, sub-soils, and micro-climates of the area. The winery is rudimentary, at least compared to the regional norm, and is conveniently placed next to their house in the middle of the Landes. The wines are manipulated as little as possible at all stages, fermentations take place in cement tanks, and the wines are neither racked nor ouillé during their 12-21 months élevage, which allows them to use very low levels of sulphur of around 25mg/l total. Keen to constantly progress, they tweak things every year to better reflect and express their terroir, and they don’t shy away from experiments. For instance, while all their wines are aged in oak, their latest cuvée (called Perrain) is a pure expression of cabernet sauvignon and franc (no merlot) on the deep quaternary gravels of Margaux, aged for three years in diamond-shaped concrete tanks. Open-minded and altruist Michel and Stéphanie are pioneers who inspired and fostered a new generation of vignerons Bordelais. They work in harmony with nature to bring the best out of their legendary terroir and, in the process, show the world that Bordeaux hasn’t lost its soul.