Chateau Bastor-Lamontagne

Originally among the holdings of the French crown, it was given to a Bordeaux parliamentarian named Vincent de la Montaigne. Maps drawn up later that century evidence the existence of a vineyard, proving that viticulture was already active at this time – though it was very unlikely to be the sole agricultural practice. It wasn’t until 1839 and the arrival of Amedee Larrieur, who also owned the illustrious Chateau Haut-Brion, that viticulture came to preclude all other crops. This state of affairs persisted until 1936, when Viscount de Larochebrochard, a descendent of the Larrieur family, decided to sell the property. It was promptly acquired by the Foncier-Vignobles family, who still retain ownership to this day.

The vineyard spans 56 hectares in Preignac, one of the five communes graced with the Sauternes appellation. The soils consist of sand and gravel with limestone underneath. Vines are planted at 80 per cent Semillon, 17 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 3 per cent Muscadelle and have an average age of 35 years. The fruit is harvested manually before being subjected to pneumatic pressing. Fermentation takes place in steel vats for Sauvignon Blanc and in oak for Semillion. The wine then goes into oak for 16 months, though only 20-30 per cent are new barrels per vintage.

The grand vin is named Chateau Bastor-Lamontagne, of which 7000 cases can be found each year. The second wine is named Les Remparts de Bastor. There’s also a special cuvee – Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne – which is targeted at drinkers who are new to the extremely luscious, sweet Sauternes style.