Meyney, Chateau
Summary
Château Meyney is a historic Saint-Estèphe estate spanning 51 hectares, producing structured Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux wines from mature vines planted on a distinctive gravel ridge with underlying blue clay near the Gironde estuary. The estate combines traditional methods with modern precision through plot-by-plot management, hand harvesting, and parcel-specific vinification, resulting in wines that honor the firm tannic character of Saint-Estèphe while achieving impressive integration with proper aging.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Meyney stands as one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, established in 1662 when it was founded as a monastery by the Feuillants, a Cistercian congregation. Located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, the property transitioned from ecclesiastical to secular ownership following the French Revolution. The Cordier family acquired the estate in 1919 and maintained ownership for several decades, implementing significant improvements to the vineyards and winemaking facilities.
In 2004, Château Meyney was acquired by CA Grands Crus, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Group. Under this ownership, Anne Le Naour serves as the Technical Director, overseeing both viticulture and winemaking operations. The château, while not included in the 1855 Classification, has built a reputation for producing wines that often perform at a level comparable to many classified growths of the Médoc.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Meyney encompasses 51 hectares of vineyards situated on a prominent gravel ridge in the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The estate benefits from its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which provides a moderating influence on temperature extremes. The vineyard's distinctive terroir features a layer of blue clay beneath the gravel topsoil—a geological formation shared with certain prestigious estates in Pomerol.
The vineyard composition consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Many of the vines average 35-40 years in age, with some older parcels exceeding 60 years. The vineyards sit at elevations between 20 and 30 meters above sea level with a southeastern exposure that maximizes sun exposure while protecting against harsh afternoon heat.
The estate produces approximately 25,000 cases annually of its grand vin, Château Meyney, and a second wine called Prieur de Meyney. The grand vin typically displays the structured character typical of Saint-Estèphe, with pronounced tannins that integrate well with aging.
Philosophy & Practice
At Château Meyney, vineyard management emphasizes traditional techniques combined with modern precision. The team practices plot-by-plot management, with each vineyard block harvested separately based on optimal ripeness. Harvest is conducted by hand, with multiple sorting stages to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winemaking process.
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks of varying sizes, allowing for precise parcel-by-parcel fermentation. Malolactic fermentation occurs primarily in tanks, after which the wines are transferred to oak barrels. The grand vin ages for 18-24 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30-40% new oak used each vintage.
Under CA Grands Crus' direction, significant investments have been made in both the vineyard and cellar. The estate has implemented optical sorting technology and gravity-flow systems to minimize mechanical intervention. The winemaking philosophy balances respect for Saint-Estèphe's traditional character with techniques that enhance fruit purity and tannin refinement. The estate follows sustainable viticulture practices, though it does not currently hold organic or biodynamic certification.