Château Raymond-Lafon
“The prestige through the quality“
To tell the story of the Château Raymond-Lafon is to tell the story of a vineyard that has all the characteristics of a Grand Cru Classé …. but it is not. This due to the fact that when establishing the classification of Grand Cru Sauternes, the property only existed for five years. But it had to be classified at least 50 years of age.
The property was founded in 1850 by Mr. Raymond Lafon who has left his name for the property. Following his death in 1904, not having a direct descendant, the ownership passed to his nephew Mr. Louis Pontallier.
It was in 1972 that Pierre Meslier, with its rich experience in the vineyard and in particular in the business management of Château d’Yquem, bought the neighboring Château d’Yquem, Raymond Lafon (article about the Château Yquem is available here) . Note that he also worked from 1958 to 1963 at Château Prieuré-Lichine (Margaux) and at the Château Lascombes (Margaux).
The property as well as the vineyards and the production tools were not being maintained for years, he decided to begin with renovation operations for the Chateau. Pierre Meslier and his wife Francine apply the same rigor and the same requirements for cultivation, vinification and aging in the development for Raymond Lafon that were used during the Yquem management. This policy made that Chateau Raymond Lafon turn into one of the most prominent wines of Sauternes to the point that is often likened to the 1er Grands Crus Classés.
Since 1990 and until now children Marie-Françoise, Jean-Pierre Meslier and Charles-Henri are there too. All three are part of the same policy as their fathers, namely “the prestige through the quality.” Quality first, even downgrades bad production of some years. This was the case in 1974 and it will be also in 2012.
Tell me about your job, your passion
“It’s a family adventure. What is unfortunate is that this is increasingly rare. With regard to production, I would compare it to a Stradivarius. We have hands, we must make a wine of the highest quality possible. “For this family “The prestige through the quality” is the motto.
This expression is often used to name them but also to talk about their wines: the “passion fruits“. This is explained by the fact that on the one hand after a little less than five minutes of conversation we realize that this family is really passionate about and lives entirely for its property. But also because passion fruit is frequently found in their production.
What characterizes the wines of the property?
Personally I would say that the wines of this property are characterized primarily by their fineness, “lightness of sweetness,” but also by their character, as well as some fresh aromas such as pineapple that meets regularly in vintages.
Some features:
- 18 hectares
- Soil: clay-gravel
- Practice sustainable agriculture bio close but not labeled.
- 3 wines: Chateau Raymond Lafon, Jeunes Pousses Raymond Lafon and Château Lafon Larose
- Produced between 2000 and 3000 cases per year
- Ageing Chateau Raymond Lafon for 3 years in oak barrels with 80% new barrels.
- Assembling the Chateau Raymond Lafon: 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon
Side story
Jean-Pierre Meslier, likes to compare the family wines to famous women. Stars that are not chosen by chance and each have points in common with the nectar which they are associated.
The Château Raymond-Lafon 2007 is a wine of more refined and elegant than other vintages is compared to Grace Kelly. The 2005 is a feminine wine more opulent, more fullness is found in the person of Marilyn Monroe. As for the 2002 Jean-Pierre Meslier compared to Rita Hayworth.
The “plus” of this property
In addition to producing exceptional wines, the property has a garden no less exceptional than their wine collection, as many plants are true collectibles. You can see many palm trees, ducks, bantams or a black swan and peacocks. This garden is also ranked “3 gold leaf Ginko” award from the Horticultural Society of the Gironde. This earned him get a Best of Wine Tourism 2012 in the category architecture and gardens.
Thanks to the Meslier.family for their hospitality.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Château Raymond-Lafon
Famille Meslier
33210 Sauternes – France
+33(0)556632102
Email : famille.meslier@chateau-raymond-lafon.fr
