Owned by Claire and Gonzague Lurton, Bordeaux “royalty” and owners of some of the top Left Bank Chateaux of Bordeaux, such as Haut-Bages Liberal and Dufort-Vivens 12 Acres farmed organically and sustainably on Chalk Hill, near longtime friend Pierre Seillan’s Verite Vineyards. Pierre convinced them to come and farm Bordeaux varietals on Chalk Hill, as he feels the area is perfect for classically-styled, age-worthy Cab and Merlot-based wines. Wines follow biodynamic techniques, with minimal intervention. Only French barrels are used. The wines are big and bold, but with the classic Bordeaux nervy acidity and tannic structure. The wines are enjoyable now, but will reward cellar ageing. Production is extremely small and the wines are generally pre-sold before release.
Left bank styled Merlot, from a classed growth producer. This is nothing like what you have come to expect from California Merlot. There is the plum and blackberry you look for with Merlot, but the Chalk Hill soils impart intense stony minerality and the winemaking style has much more to do with elegance than power.
