Laforge, Chateau
Summary
Château Laforge is a boutique Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate established in the late 1990s by British winemaker Jonathan Maltus, producing a single Merlot-dominant wine from select parcels within the appellation's distinctive terroir. The estate exemplifies Maltus's modern, terroir-focused approach that combines traditional Bordeaux respect for site with contemporary precision winemaking, representing an innovative vision that has established this micro-estate as an emerging voice in Saint-Émilion's evolving landscape.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Laforge is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru property established by British winemaker Jonathan Maltus in the late 1990s. The estate represents one of several boutique properties Maltus developed in the Saint-Émilion appellation following his acquisition of Château Teyssier in 1994. Maltus, who arrived in Bordeaux from England, has built a reputation for creating terroir-focused, limited-production wines from distinct parcels within Saint-Émilion. Under his direction, Laforge has maintained its position as a small-production estate focused on expressing the specific character of its vineyard sites. The property operates as part of the Maltus portfolio of Saint-Émilion estates, which includes Château Teyssier, Le Dôme, Les Astéries, and Vieux Château Mazerat.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Laforge draws its fruit from select parcels within the Saint-Émilion appellation. The vineyards feature predominantly Merlot plantings, complemented by Cabernet Franc. The estate's production focuses on a single Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wine that expresses the character of its specific terroir. The wine typically displays the rich, plummy characteristics associated with Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion wines, structured by the addition of Cabernet Franc. The property's limited production ensures focused attention on each parcel, with careful management of the vineyards throughout the growing season to achieve optimal ripeness and concentration.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Laforge reflects Jonathan Maltus's modern philosophy, which emphasizes vineyard-specific expression and meticulous attention to detail. The estate employs careful fruit selection, with hand-harvesting and sorting to ensure only the highest quality grapes enter production. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled conditions, allowing for precise management of the extraction process. The wine matures in French oak barrels, developing complexity while preserving the fruit character that defines the property's style. This approach aligns with Maltus's broader winemaking philosophy across his Saint-Émilion properties, where each estate is managed to highlight its unique characteristics while maintaining consistent quality standards. The focused production model allows for hands-on management throughout the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle.