Haut-Medoc fifth growth of 65 hectares, offering classed-growth quality at accessible prices. Merlaut family management bringing consistent improvement since 2005.
Signature wines: chateau-de-camensac, la-closerie-de-camensac
Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2019), Decanter 91 (2018)
Address: Chateau Camensac, 33112 Saint-Laurent-Medoc, France, Bordeaux
Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois that many consider above its classification. 85 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines; Jean Gautreau's uncompromising quality standard since 1969.
Tasting: Cellar visits available by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-sociando-mallet, la-demoiselle-de-sociando-mallet
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Decanter 94 (2018)
English-owned Entre-Deux-Mers estate known for crisp whites and reliable Bordeaux reds. 40 hectares; farmhouse accommodation; award-winning wines at accessible price points.
Tasting: Farmhouse accommodation; vineyard visits; winery tours by arrangement.
Signature wines: bauduc-bordeaux-superieur, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-rouge, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-blanc, bauduc-sauvignon-blanc
Scores: Decanter 91 (2020), Wine Spectator 89 (2021)
Fronsac's flagship estate with 60 hectares and a spectacular 16th-century underground cave network. Known for structured, Merlot-dominant wines with Right Bank elegance.
Tasting: Visits, wine-and-cheese tastings, and cave-tour experiences available.
Signature wines: riviere-fronsac
Scores: Decanter 93 (2018), Wine Advocate 92 (2019)
Cotes de Bourg cult wine from Francois Mitjavile, creator of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf. 10 hectares on limestone slopes; Merlot-led blends with remarkable concentration and minerality.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: roc-de-cambes
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2005), Decanter 95 (2018)
Canon-Fronsac producer representing the best of this underrated Right Bank appellation. 7 hectares of organic Merlot-Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.
Signature wines: moulin-pey-labrie
Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2019), Decanter 91 (2018)
Moulis-en-Medoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with 100 hectares. Named for Baudelaire's 'chase away the blues'; Cabernet-dominant with excellent value-to-quality ratio.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available.
Signature wines: chateau-chasse-spleen, l-heritage-de-chasse-spleen
Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2016), Decanter 93 (2019)
Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois that many consider above its classification. 85 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines; Jean Gautreau's uncompromising quality standard since 1969.
Tasting: Cellar visits available by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-sociando-mallet, la-demoiselle-de-sociando-mallet
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Decanter 94 (2018)
