L'Hêtre 2018

L’Hêtre

The L’Hêtre estate now belongs to Jacques Thienpont, who also owns Château Le Pin and part of Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol, as well as L’If in Saint-Émilion.

The estate’s name comes from an imposing beech tree on the property. It lies in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region, in the picturesque commune of Saint-Émilion, and is defined by its dedication to tradition combined with a spirit of innovation.

When Jacques Thienpont visited the property during the 2015 harvest, he was immediately impressed by its magnificent location at the end of the limestone plateau east of Saint-Émilion.

A Belgian couple, Stéphane and Béatrice Goubau, had owned the estate for a decade and converted it to sustainable viticulture. Jacques Thienpont acquired the estate from them before the 2015 vintage had been bottled.

It comprises ten hectares of vineyards surrounded by woods and meadows – a diverse biotope on the plateau of Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe, the highest point in the Bordeaux region.

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions – a name that has stood for elegance, diversity and ageing potential for centuries. Gravel, clay and limestone soils alternate, allowing fine nuances in the wines that reflect both terroir and craftsmanship.

Bordeaux is typically known for blends in which grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc work together harmoniously.

Stylistically, red Bordeaux wines are defined by a balance of fruit, structure and freshness. The white wines – usually made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle – range from crisp and citrus-driven to creamy and complex.