Connivence, Chateau La
Summary
Château La Connivence is a boutique Pomerol estate spanning just one hectare of clay-rich and gravelly soils, producing a single Merlot-dominant wine through the collaborative efforts of the Moueix and Durantou families. Their deliberately limited production of 3,000-4,000 bottles annually combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision, creating a scarce and exceptional expression that has quietly developed a devoted following without marketing or deliberate positioning.
Heritage & Leadership
Château La Connivence is a boutique wine estate located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, France. The property represents a collaboration between two respected Bordeaux wine families: the Moueix family and the Durantou family. The estate was established in the early 2000s, with its first commercial vintage released in 2008.
The vineyard is managed by the same team that oversees Château L'Église Clinet, under the direction of the Durantou family. Following the passing of Denis Durantou in 2020, his daughters Constance and Noëmie Durantou have taken over the management of the family's wine properties, including their involvement with La Connivence.
The property, while maintaining a deliberately low profile in the Bordeaux landscape, has steadily built a reputation for quality-focused production that reflects its Pomerol terroir.
Vineyards & Wines
Château La Connivence encompasses a small vineyard area of approximately 1 hectare (2.47 acres) situated in the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot, which thrives in the region's clay-rich soils, complemented by a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc.
The vineyard benefits from Pomerol's distinctive terroir, characterized by clay and gravel soils that provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for the vines. This soil composition contributes to the wine's structure and aging potential.
The estate produces a single wine, simply labeled Château La Connivence, which is made in limited quantities reflective of its small vineyard holding. Annual production typically ranges between 3,000 to 4,000 bottles, depending on the vintage conditions. The wine expresses the classic Pomerol profile of concentrated dark fruit, with structural elements derived from its terroir.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château La Connivence adheres to traditional Bordeaux methods while incorporating modern precision. Harvesting is conducted by hand, with careful selection of fruit both in the vineyard and at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats to preserve fruit character while extracting appropriate tannin structure.
The wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for approximately 18 months before bottling. The barrel program typically includes a percentage of new oak, balanced to support rather than overwhelm the wine's natural characteristics.
The estate maintains a deliberately small production model, focusing on quality over quantity. This approach allows for meticulous attention to detail throughout the growing season and winemaking process. While not certified organic or biodynamic, vineyard management emphasizes sustainable practices that respect the long-term health of the soils and vines.
The resulting wine reflects both the specific character of its Pomerol terroir and the winemaking philosophy that guides its production: a focus on balance, structure, and the authentic expression of place.