Margaux Travel Guide

The origins of Labégorce lie in a large estate in the northern parts of the commune of Margaux which belonged to the Gorce (or Gorsse) family, perhaps as long ago as the 14th Century.

The vineyard of Château Dauzac stretches over 40 hectares of deep gravel soil, overlooking the river, in the Margaux Appellation. The first appearance of vines at Dauzac apparently dates back to the XIIIth century, but it was not until the arrival of Thomas Michael Linch in 1740 that the estate assumed today's dimensions and that Dauzac appears in the 1855 "Classement officiel". Ernest David, then Régisseur of Dauzac and Ducru Beaucaillou, has gone down in history, along with the celebrated scientist Alexis Millardet, for having perfected a prophylactic mixture of quicklime and copper sulfate against mildew. Dauzac was the veritable birthplace, in 1885, of the "Bouillie bordelaise". The soil here is unique: surface gravel, clay or calcareous subsoil, and "alios", iron hardpan. Vines send their roots deep, seeking the elements which give Médoc wines their unique quality. On the hillsides of the Médoc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes produce perhaps the world's finest red wines.

The origins of this the Cantenac-Brown vineyards lie in the 18th Century when, in 1754, Jacques Boyd, who was of Irish descent, acquired the estate. The Brown in question was none other than John Lewis Brown, who also owned Chateau Brown in Pessac-Léognan, and he acquired the Boyd property in 1806 when he married into the Boyd family.

The Brown-Cantenac vineyards cover 54 hectares in all, mostly around Cantenac, although there are other plots in Arsac, Soussans, Margaux and Labarde, Underfoot, the soils are typically gravelly and are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a planting density of around 8500 vines/ha. José Sanfins, who was installed as technical director under the aegis of AXA Millésimes.

The origins of this growth can be traced back to the fifteenth century when it was known as Lamothe. In those times the château was fortified and belonged to the Seigneur Monferraud. In 1802 the property was bought by the Marquis de Colonilla who pulled down the old château and built the elegant neo-classical mansion which is so familiar today, a building unique in style and importance in the Medoc, and also a national monument in France.

The wines of Château Margaux have all those qualities which are regarded as being particular to Margaux AC. in the most exalted degree and perfect balance. The delicacy of the early years belies the longevity of these wines which are consistent in their elegance and refinement.

There are several options in visiting the wine chateaux of Margaux, but please be aware that you must call in advance to make an appointment at most places.

The link i provided will give you an opportunity to recuire a brochure with telephone numbers, websites, contact persons etc. for visiting the wine chateaus.

There is a direct link to the French tourist office in your country one klick away.

The two most lovely pieces of architecture are the Château Margaux who makes lovely wine ( I just visited the Château for the fourth time tasting the wonderful 2004 vintage) and Château Palmer.