Although Pomerol is full of cult references, the appellation also boasts many small properties, some of which have kept a strong family dimension. This is the case of Château Chêne Liège, owned by the Niarfeix family.
Chêne Liège is located near the charming church of Pomerol, in the immediate vicinity of Château Clinet and Lafleur-Pétrus. This property covering just under 4 hectares is the jewel in the family's crown. They also own vineyards of similar size in the Lalande de Pomerol and Montagne Saint-Emilion appellations.
Philippe Niarfeix represents the 4th generation to head Château Chêne Liège. He is assisted by his daughter Marie, 21, who joined the estate three years ago. Twenty years ago, Philippe Niarfeix took over the reins of the estate, developing the property exponentially through exports. After owning a vineyard in the Uco Valley in Argentina, making the famous Cuvée de Montmartre for a few years, and working at a high level in show jumping, Philippe Niarfeix now wishes to pass the torch to the fifth generation, in whom he sees “modernity, combined with a sensitivity that reflects the delicacy of the terroir”.
You can visit the property, as the family's desire is to keep it on a human scale, but also and above all to be open. Arielle, Philippe Niarfeix's wife, has also developed a whole range of receptive activities through the BVE Event's agency. A site offering a connection between the Arcachon basin and the vineyards.
As far as the wines of the estate are concerned, there are some good things to look forward to, particularly in the 2022 vintage tasted in the barrel. The depth and charm of Pomerol can be found there. “The maturing and the work on the barrels is above all a reflection in the vineyards. I buy my barrels according to the wine”.
The packaging of the vintages will also be reviewed in the coming years to accompany the evolution of the estate. Marie Niarfeix will certainly play a strong role in this with her brother. The fifth generation of the Niarfeix family is thus to come, for a family estate that is looking to the future.
Xavier Lacombe / Photos : Château Chêne Liège
Clear, bright, medium ruby colour with light ruby rims, elevated viscosity. At the nose is clean, intense and youthful with notes of ripe red and dark fruits, cherry, black berries, dry violet, peony, mineral, sweet spices, vanilla, cinnamon biscuits, nutty, toasted almond. The palate is dry, full body, with a nice freshness and integrated alcohol. The tannins are ripe and pleasant, balanced, complex and long finish.
Ageing: 15 years.
Pairing: smoked barbecue chicken Bao bun.
Clear, bright, moderate ruby colour fading up to light ruby rims, elevated viscosity. At the nose is clean, elegant, with youthful and ripe red berries notes, blueberries, mulberry, stony minerality, black tea. The oak is integrated with notes of cedar, hazelnut, marzipan and black pepper. The palate is ripe, full body, fresh, elevated alcohol with elevated and ripe tannins. Balanced with a nice complexity and a great length.
Ageing: 10/15 years.
Pairing: wild boar steak with tender stem broccoli and red wine sauce.
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