Saint-Estèphe

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the four great Médoc communes on the left bank of the Gironde, north of Pauillac. To the north the Bas-Médoc follows; to the south the Jalle du Breuil stream separates the appellation from Pauillac. The vineyards are spread across gravel mounds (croupes) around the village of Saint-Estèphe. The classified estates of 1855 include the Second Growths Cos d'Estournel and Montrose, the Third Growth Calon-Ségur, and the estates Lafon-Rochet and Cos Labory.

The soil consists of gravel over heavy clay and limestone; it retains water better than in the communes further south, an advantage in hot, dry years. The climate is oceanic and tempered by the Gironde, and ripening begins somewhat later here.

Cabernet Sauvignon remains the leader, but Merlot also thrives on the clay soils and has a higher share than in Pauillac. The wines are regarded as dark, earthy and firmly structured, with strong tannins and good ageing potential; in recent times they have become rounder and fleshier.