Château Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse

Winegrowers’ Portraits Saint-Emilion

CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR
HÉRITIERS DUFFAU-LAGARROSSE

Renewal in continuity…

Beauséjour: quietude and excellence reign as of the 18th century on the property. This exceptional site with it is evocative name dominates the valley of the Dordogne with a 360° view and subjugates the visitor whilst enjoying the sunrise through the patchy clouds of early morning mist. Beauséjour awakes, anchored in the mythical ground of the wines of Saint-Emilion and its asteria limestone and clay soil.

Christophe Redaud and Vincent Duffau-Lagarrosse

History of a Cru, history of a Soil, history of a Family. Nine generations have succeeded one another since the 18th century, with at the beginning a vineyard Beau-Séjour which, by succession, was divided in two between Caroline and Léopold, in 1870. Since then, Château Beauséjour (without hyphen) has remained in the hands of Caroline’s heirs.
Since 2006, two cousins, Vincent Duffau-Lagarrosse and Christophe Redaud, manage the property in a conqueror spirit to reveal on its own merit this Premier Grand Cru Classé from the very beginning of the classification of the Wines of Saint-Emilion in 1954.
First stage, in 2009: they entrust the reins of the exploitation to Nicolas Thienpont (Châteaux Larcis Ducasse and Pavie Macquin) and David Suire, oenologist of the property, who are supported by the advice of Stephan Derenoncourt. Continuing the work begun with Michel Roland more than 30 years ago, this team has given a new breath of inspiration to the domain. The research of precision in the knowledge of the soil, the optimum quality of the grape, the wine making and the maturing appears to be paying off in just a short time. Very quickly the highly skilled tasters and press comments guarantee these efforts.



The wish of perfection consolidates the place of Premier Grand Cru Classé of the Château which up to that point had remained discrete, but quickly was thrust into the limelight. 6.80 hectares of only one holding, with vines dating back
in part to 1956. “One off Saint-Emilion’s finest soils in terms of potential!” exclaimed R. Parker. A new “Organic spirit” in the follow-up of the vine and a more precise wine making (e.g. technique of the punching of the cap in 2009) are insufflate by Nicolas Thienpont at the side of Vincent Duffau-Lagarrosse. Nuances and precision are brought for the balance of the life of the soil and the old deeply rooted vines. This is done with the single aim of obtaining the most beautiful possible grape to produce the best wine which therefore, helps to perpetuate its image and to preserve its rank.

To all of this is added a hidden treasure and it had always been right under their feet. Vincent and Christophe wanted to give it back it is old glory: the under­ground cellars. Historical jewel of the appellation, the asteriated limestone present under the vines and the château, offers qualities for the maturing and a particular prestige. Certainly, he matu­ring there is a little longer, but offers optimum conditions and allows the making of a high-class wine of Saint-Emilion. Don't we speak about soil?
The adequacy between climate, ground, sub-soil, of adapted varietals and the know-how of a team, bear their fruits… Tastings are the proof: recognition of the 2009 by critics, further superior confirmation in 2010…

Florence Varaine
Crédit Photos: Anne Lanta

Château Beauséjour
héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse
33330 Saint-Émilion France
Tél. : +33 (0)5 57 24 71 61
Fax : +33 (0)5 57 74 48 40
www.beausejourhdl.fr