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Saint-Estèphe
Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the great communal appellations of the Médoc. The soil holds more clay than further south in the Médoc, retaining water longer and making the wines firmer. The wines are known for their tannic backbone and long ageing.
Our range includes wines from Saint-Estèphe by producers including Cos d'Estournel, Montrose, Calon Ségur, Phélan Ségur, Lafon-Rochet and Les Ormes de Pez. If you would like to explore Bordeaux further, you will also find Pauillac, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol in our range.
Grapes and style
Saint-Estèphe is the most northerly of the major commune appellations of the Médoc. The wines are based on cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with merlot playing a relatively important role here, complemented by cabernet franc and petit verdot.
The style is firm, earthy and tannic, with a robust character and dark fruit. In young vintages the wines are often austere, but with ageing they become complex, with notes of leather, spices and cedar.
Location and soil
Saint-Estèphe lies north of Pauillac, on the left bank of the Gironde. The vineyards lie on low hills with views over the river.
Unlike in the south, the soil here contains more clay, alongside gravel and limestone. Clay retains water for longer and is cooler, which works well in dry years and yields a more robust, structured wine. That explains why merlot thrives here and why the wines are sturdier in nature.
Classification and rules
Saint-Estèphe is a commune appellation in its own right, with its own rules for varieties and production. A number of estates are included in the historic classification of the Médoc wines, while many other wine houses make wine as Cru Bourgeois or without classification.
Notably, there are proportionally many Cru Bourgeois estates, which often make reliable wine.
Ageing and serving
Saint-Estèphe demands patience. The tannins in young wines are firm and call for years of ageing, after which the wine becomes softer and more complex. Good bottles can last for decades.
Serve at 16 to 18 °C and decant young wines well in advance. The wine goes well with roast beef, braised dishes, game and spicy cheeses.
Producers in our range
These producers feature in our Saint-Estèphe range: Cos d'Estournel, Montrose, Calon Ségur, Phélan Ségur, Lafon-Rochet, Les Ormes de Pez, Cos Labory, Haut-Marbuzet, Château de Marbuzet, Tronquoy-Lalande, Lilian Ladouys and Tour de Pez.
White as well
From Cos d'Estournel our range includes not only the red wine but also the white Cos d'Estournel Blanc.
More from Bordeaux
You will find more wines from Bordeaux under Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Sauternes, Pessac-Léognan and Haut-Médoc.