Senejac, Chateau
Summary
Château Sénéjac is a historic 39-hectare Haut-Médoc estate near Le Pian-Médoc, producing approximately 150,000 bottles annually from classic Bordeaux varieties grown on gravelly soils that favor their Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend. Their winemaking balances tradition with careful modernization, employing plot-specific harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and measured oak aging that consistently delivers wines expressing the appellation's distinctive character and quality.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Sénéjac stands as one of the oldest estates in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, with records of viticulture dating back to the 16th century. The property changed hands several times throughout its history before a significant turning point in 1999, when Lorraine Cordier, co-owner of the Grand Cru Classé Château Talbot, acquired the estate. In 2009, ownership transferred to the Tesseron family, proprietors of the esteemed Château Pontet-Canet in Pauillac. Under the Tesseron family's direction, the estate underwent substantial renovations to both vineyard management and winemaking facilities. Today, the property is managed by a dedicated team that maintains the estate's commitment to quality while honoring its historical significance in the Haut-Médoc landscape.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Sénéjac encompasses 39 hectares of vineyards situated in the northern section of the Haut-Médoc, near the commune of Le Pian-Médoc. The vineyard composition reflects traditional Bordeaux planting, with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating at 48%, complemented by 37% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. The vineyards benefit from gravelly soils typical of the Médoc's best terroirs, providing excellent drainage and heat retention that promotes optimal ripening of the Cabernet varieties. The estate produces approximately 150,000 bottles annually of its primary wine, Château Sénéjac, as well as a second wine, La Garde de Sénéjac. The flagship wine typically displays the structured character of Haut-Médoc, with black fruit notes and the capacity for medium-term aging.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Sénéjac balances respect for tradition with modern precision. Harvest is conducted plot by plot, with careful sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction and preservation of fruit character. The estate employs a traditional approach to aging, with the primary wine maturing for 12-15 months in French oak barrels, approximately 30% of which are new each vintage. This measured use of oak aims to complement rather than overwhelm the wine's inherent character. The vineyard team focuses on maintaining low yields to enhance concentration and quality, with extensive canopy management throughout the growing season. This methodical approach to both viticulture and vinification has steadily elevated the quality of Château Sénéjac's wines, establishing it as a reliable producer within the Haut-Médoc appellation.