2005 Bernard Magrez Serenite

Chateau Magrez Fombrauge is a 9-acre estate in St. Emilion. Though it dates to the 15th century, the chateau was in 1999 purchased by Bernard Magrez, owner of several Bordeaux chateaux. The estate is planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The estate also produces a small amount of white Bordeaux, a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. Celebrity wine consultant Michel Rolland has been advising the winemaking since 2000. Robert M. Parker Jr. notes that “from its debut in 2000, Magrez Fombrauge has been sumptuous and obviously one of the superstars of St.-Emilion.”

Pessac-Léognan was created in 1987 from the northern part of the left bank Graves appellation. Before then it was simply part of Graves, or sometimes it was called Haut-Graves. Unlike many other Bordeaux appellations, Pessac-Léognan is known for both red and dry white wines, although its reds are more famous. The appellation includes ten communes and the area’s most important châteaux, including Château Haut-Brion, the only non-Médoc estate included in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. There are 2,964 acres of vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and 16 classified growth estates. The main red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. White grapes grown are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle. Pessac-Léognan is considered to have the best terroir of the greater Graves region.