Château Plaisance
Château Plaisance presents a rare singularity: although it is a Bordeaux Supérieur, it is located in the Haut-Médoc area. This atypical location gives it power and a distinct typicity. Indeed, less than 1% of Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines are produced in the Médoc, which makes Château Plaisance a truly unique wine in its appellation.
History
Château Plaisance, whose construction dates back to the 1780s, has a much older history thanks to its vineyard. This estate, featuring classic Bordeaux architecture and enhanced by a twin external staircase, is a listed historic monument. Its façade still bears the initials of its founder, Jean Cavalier, and attracts enthusiasts of 18th-century art.
Located on the edge of the Margaux appellation, the vineyard of Château Plaisance was restored by Jean-Louis and Isabelle Chollet starting in 1991. Established as a single contiguous plot, it covers ten hectares overlooking the Garonne. Its terroir, called “Palus,” is primarily composed of clay and a small percentage of sand, a soil enriched over time by the sediments left by the river.
Historically, these lands were reclaimed from the Garonne thanks to a technique introduced by the Dutch. Their fertility and richness in nutrients make it a terroir particularly suited to viticulture. Once considered the best in their appellation, wines from the palus are now regaining their former prestige.
The Vineyard
The vineyard of Château Plaisance covers 10 hectares, with a planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare. The grape varieties are mainly Merlot (70%), supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Petit Verdot (10%).
The average age of the vines is 20 years, ensuring balanced ripening of the grapes and a regular production of around 60,000 bottles per year. The viticulture is sustainable, with rigorous monitoring of the vineyard, precise control of berry maturity through tasting, and harvesting that combines both manual and mechanical methods.
Winemaking & Aging
Particular care is given to the vinification of Château Plaisance. Each parcel is rigorously selected, and the grapes undergo total destemming. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with temperatures maintained around 28°C to gently extract the wine’s aromas and structure. Three pump-overs are carried out daily, and maceration lasts 28 to 30 days.
Aging continues for 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which are renewed each year. This process brings complexity and finesse to the wine while respecting its balance.
Wine Character
Château Plaisance stands out for its power and its aging potential, remaining cellar-worthy for more than 10 years. Its blend imparts an elegant tannic structure, with lovely depth and aromas of dark fruits, spices, and a subtle woody note from barrel aging. On the palate, it combines roundness and freshness, offering a fine expression of the palus terroir.
