Our relationship with the Baron de Montfort estates is one that began more than 20 years ago while living and working in France. However, in regards to world of wine, didn’t begin until 2008. While working for a large French manufacturing company in the early 90′s, Peter met and befriended Bertrand de Sercey, who was then one of the export managers at the company. At the conclusion of the project, goodbyes were said and each went their own separate ways. Little did we expect that 20 years later at a wine convention in the United States, we would meet again in a strange twist of fate. We were once again back in the same line of business, as I would soon learn that Bertrand’s family owns and operates several prestigious vineyards in Bordeaux. After tasting these wonderful wines, I knew we had to share them with our friends, family and customers, and toast the newest chapter in the Sercey-Grisley friendship.

With a total of 66 hectares, 16 in AOC Saint Emilion Grand Cru, and the remaining 50 in AOC Cotes de Castillon, the Baron de Montfort estates produce classic Bordeaux wines in arguably the most prestigious wine region in the world.

Chateau de Monbadon was built in the early 14^th century with Chateau Lagrange-Monbadon sitting at the base of the feudal castle, while Chateau du Rocher contains some of the oldest growths in Saint Etienne de Lisse. The clay and limestone soil at all three estates are perfectly suited for producing the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varieties that thrive in Bordeaux.

CHATEAU DU ROCHER- AOC Saint Emilion Grand Cru

The estate is almost entirely planted with vines. The subsoil, ferruginous in many parts, gives the wines a powerful sève in their early years but as they age they acquire all the organic finesse and the characteristic bouquet that Saint Emilion is famous for.

It has the particularity of having been always transferred by its proprietors either through marriage or in direct line. Indeed, the du Rocher family, which owned it already in the 15th century according to the family archives, passed it on in 1731 through the marriage of their only daughter into the illustrious de Grailly family.

After the Revolution, the estate passed through direct union from the de Grailly to the Monteil, and then to the Grateloup family from which the present owners are descendants.

The wine-making of the parcels separately includes a cold pre fermentation maceration of 4 to 5 days and a post fermentation maceration of 15 to 20 days depending on the vintage and the grape variety.

Ageing in French oak barrels lasts 12 months.

Production : 75 tonneaux (apprx. 80,000 bottles)

Chateau Du Rocher

Vintage: 2005

Color: Sustained Ruby robe

Nose: Scents of delicate red fruits (blackcurrant and redcurrant) are dominant

Mouth: Very aromatic and subtle persistance. Good length. Will open remarkably in 1 to 2 years time.

Pair With: Red meats & cheeses.

CHATEAU LAGRANGE-MONBADON -AOC Cotes de Castillon

Huddling at the feet of the feudal castle of Monbadon, Château Lagrange Monbadon can be found at Monbadon-Puisseguin, 40 kilometers from Bordeaux.

Next to the village church, the vineyard of 30 hectares benefits from a clay and limestone soil where a ferruginous subsoil gives colorful wine with softness and flavor.

This wine can be enjoyed now, or age in your cellar, and will be perfect with starters and white meats.

The wine-making of our parcels separately includes a cold pre fermentation maceration of 4 to 5 days and a post fermentation maceration of 15 to 20 days depending on the vintage and the grape variety.

Production : 145 tonneaux (apprx. 170,000 bottles)

Chateau Lagrange-Monbadon

Color: Purple and attractive, slightly tiled hues

Nose: Interesting fresh fruit still very pleasant. Fine aromatic expression.

Mouth: Good attack, silky feel and moderate length. Drink now.

Pair With: Entrées, white meats.

CHATEAU DE MONBADON-AOC Cotes de Castillon

The feudal Château de Monbadon can be found at Monbadon-Puisseguin, 40 kilometers from Bordeaux.

Most of the vineyard of 25 hectares (of which 20 currently on production) is located on a clay and limestone plateau with a ferruginous subsoil, at the altitude of 109 meters above see level, very close to one of the two highest points of Gironde : 114 meters.

The rest of the vines lies in steep hill at the feet of the castle.

This aromatic and complex wine will be perfect with red meats and cheeses.

Ageing in French oak barrels, for most of the production, lasts 12 months on average.

Production : 100 tonneaux (apprx. 120,000 bottles)

*One tonneaux = 900 liters

2005 Chateau de Monbadon

Color: Young red and dense robe

Nose: Smoked oak characters with notes of matured red fruit

Mouth: Noble tannins and fruit are well balanced and rounded. A good persistency procuring pleasant enjoyment. Altogether harmonious and of traditional Bordeaux structure. Excellent luncheon wine.

Pair With:Red meats & cheeses.