Bernard Magrez

Ok nobody is EVER going to feel sorry for Bernard Magrez and the hardscrabble life he leads, eking a living from the poor soils of his four (yup) classified Bordeaux Chateaux or the some forty (yup) vineyards and wineries he owns around the world. But the fact is, he makes terrific wines, highly expressive of their terroir, and true to their origins. Magrez’ reputation stems largely from his four crus classes vinyards in Bordeaux; Chateau Pape Clement (Graves), Chateau Frombauge (St Emilion), Chateau La Tour Carnet (Haut Medoc), and Chateau Clos Haut Peraguay (Sauternes). But he is also one of the most important vineyard proprietors in the Languedoc region. Of the dozen or so estates Magrez owns in the Sud du France, we’ve selected four of the finest to add to our portfolio.

The Wines

Cotes du Roussillon Villages “Si Mon Pere Savait”: Magrez’ father told him he would never be a success in the wine world- this cuvee, named “if my father only knew” is an homage to the hard work Bernard put in to prove him wrong! A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Carignane, filled with bold deep flavors and a bright, fresh finish.

Saint-Chinian “En Silence” a blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Carignane. Rich and extracted with ripe fruit phenols and a long, succulent finish.

Minervois -La Liviniere: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah from a sub-appellation within the Minervois AOC. La Liviniere is at high elevation, about 1250 ft, and on a mixed schist/limestone soil. Bright and juicy, with a fresh cherry/berry nose.

Terrasses du Larzac “L’Or du Diable”: the Terrasses is at the heart of the finest part of the Languedoc vineyard region. High altitude vineyards surrounded by the garrigue- the wild herb scrub of Languedoc- give the wine an elegance and complexity unique to the region. A blend of 50% Syrah, 25% each Grenache and Carignane.