Certain of the quality of the soil of a small parcel at the heart of Château Layauga in Gaillan to the north of St Estephe, Henri and his sister Anne-Marie become major shareholders in 2006. They added 7 hectares in nearby Queyrac, on the slope of La Hontane, in 2007. The slope has good exposure to sunlight, and limestone-clay soil covered with gravel. Viticulture and winemaking is in the style of Haut-Marbuzet: hand-harvesting, low yields, long-maceration with daily remontage, 50% new French oak.

Tasting notes

Classic woodspice and bramble fruit on the nose. The 2017 vintage feels more restrained and proper than previously, well balanced, with smooth and spicy oak and cloves but still with an underlying fruit ripeness.

Food match

Sunday lunch.