Justine Onclin is no newcomer to Bordeaux, the owner of Chateau Brannas Grand Poujeaux in Moulis since 2002 and Bordeaux Merchant house Sovex, he also runs the wine interests of the Ballandre family, including Classified growth in Margaux; Château Prieuré Lichine. Those of you who are familiar with the dynamic wine tourism strategy of Le Prieuré will know he is he is no stranger to opening Château doors to enthusiastic amateurs.
Since 2005 he has combined these two passions and crossed over to the right bank of the Dordogne purchasing Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé Château Villemaurine. With its amazing location, on the edge of the medieval city, not just great for the limestone and clay terroir but also for its strategic position at the top of the village (conveniently opposite the car park). The property cleverly marries the old (amazing underground quarries) and the new (latest vinification techniques) in a cellar over looking the vines and the village. The huge investments in the agricultural and wine making practises have started to show returns as of the 2007 vintage. Whereas the investment in the quarries has created a winery visit quite unlike any other, created by Eric le Collen, famous for the Battle of Castillon son et lumiere held every summer just down the road.
After a few days of Château visits it has been known for even the most ardent enthusiast to suffer barrel fatigue, here however weary visitors can expect to be surprised. The quarries have been fashioned into a ‘son et lumiere’ story-telling experience, not just of the history of the property but of Saint Emilion and even Bordeaux itself.
After travelling in time through the 7ha of underground galleries it is almost a surprise to surface to a tasting of the 2 wines from the property; Château Villemaurine, of course, but also the second wine Les Angelots de Villemaurine.
Even better the property is open Saturdays and Sundays, but book ahead!