Montagne Saint-Émilion is a charming right-bank appellation attractive for its landscapes as much as for the quality of its soil and thoroughbred wines. This coveted area is shared by only 250 winegrowers and produces powerful and distinguished wines. Mr. Raoux is very proud to own 2 wine estates in this beautiful wine region. Château Lestage is situated at the very top of a hill. Its sloping 17 hectares (42 acres) produce a wine which elicits praise for its richness and strength. Renovations on the Château Lestage’s new winery were completed in 2003.

The soil – “Le Terroir”

Merlot Noir comprises 92% of the vines, Cabernet Franc for the rest. They are planted on 8.7 hectares (21.5 acres) of the sloping clay-chalk and limestone soil. As for the ferruginous subsoil, chalk and clay are mixed in with remnants of millennium-old starfish. The vines are roughly 30 years old. Bud removal, green harvesting and thinning of vine leaves are all done by hand.

The Wines

Château Lestage Red, AOC Montagne Saint-Émilion : Aromas of red fruits, smooth tannins and a full palate are enveloped in this garnet ruby red coloured wine. Round and generous, Château Lestage is a pure bred Montagne Saint – Émilion reflecting the luscious green hills surrounding its vineyard.

Tage de Lestage Red, AOC Montagne Saint-Émilion : Tage de Lestage plays on a particular feature, its rarity. It is the product of vines planted in 1957, after the big freeze of 1956. The 100% Merlot Noir wine is created from 1.50 hectares (3.7 acres) of vines which produce very concentrated fruit. Thinning of leaves and green harvesting are all done by hand. Silky purple in colour, aromas of hot stone are mixed with smoke, spices and black cherries. Muscled, rich and profound, pure and elegant, this wine will unveil the richness of its character in 5, 10 or 15 years.

The 2005 Tage de Lestage was selected as one of the 137 best value Bordeaux crus wines by Robert Parker.