Haut-Peyraguey, Chateau
Summary
Château Haut-Peyraguey is a historic Premier Cru Classé estate in Bommes, Sauternes, with 21 hectares of gravelly, limestone-rich vineyards primarily planted to Sémillon for sweet wine production near the Ciron tributary that facilitates noble rot development. The Bernard Magrez-owned property maintains traditional Sauternes methods with multiple selective harvest passes and extended oak aging while balancing heritage techniques with precise vineyard management to express its distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Haut-Peyraguey stands as one of the oldest wine estates in Sauternes, with origins dating back to the 13th century when it was part of the larger Rieussec-Peyraguey property. The estate earned its place in Bordeaux history when it was classified as a Premier Cru in the historic 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac. Located in the commune of Bommes, the château changed hands several times throughout its history before a significant turning point in 2014 when Bernard Magrez, owner of several classified Bordeaux estates, acquired the property. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Haut-Peyraguey, bringing it into Magrez's portfolio of fine wine estates. Under his direction, the château has maintained its focus on producing classic Sauternes wines while benefiting from investments in both vineyard management and winemaking facilities.
Vineyards & Wines
The vineyards of Château Haut-Peyraguey encompass 21 hectares in the heart of the Sauternes appellation, specifically in the commune of Bommes. The vineyard composition follows traditional Sauternes planting, with Sémillon dominating at approximately 90% of plantings, complemented by smaller proportions of Sauvignon Blanc and occasional Muscadelle. The estate benefits from its position on gravelly soils with limestone subsoil, providing excellent drainage and mineral components that contribute to the wines' character. The vineyard's proximity to the Ciron tributary creates the microclimate necessary for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for Sauternes production. The estate produces its grand vin, Château Haut-Peyraguey, and a second wine called Symphonie de Haut-Peyraguey, both following the appellation's sweet wine tradition. The vines average 35 years of age, contributing to the concentration and complexity found in the finished wines.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Haut-Peyraguey adheres to traditional Sauternes methods while incorporating modern precision. Harvest occurs through multiple selective passes through the vineyard (tries), with pickers hand-selecting only grapes affected by noble rot at optimal ripeness. This labor-intensive process may require up to six passes through the same vineyard rows over several weeks. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, allowing for the slow transformation of the concentrated must into wine. The wines then undergo aging in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with approximately 25% new oak, striking a balance between wood influence and preservation of the fruit's natural characteristics. Under Bernard Magrez's ownership, the estate has maintained a focus on expressing the terroir of Bommes while ensuring consistent quality through meticulous attention in both vineyard management and cellar work. The resulting wines display the classic Sauternes profile of honeyed richness balanced by natural acidity.