A small estate in the rolling hills of the recently re-named Côtes de Castillon appellation, Château Goubau was acquired a few years ago by lifelong Bordeaux enthusiasts Stéphane and Béa Goubau. Investment in the winery and hard work in the vineyards are gradually bringing this estate back to its rightful place among the elite of the area – recent blind tastings of the 08 & 09 vintages from Castillon and St. Emilion have regularly placed Ch. Goubau above many St. Emilion Grands Crus, and on a par with its renowned (and more expensive) neighbour Château d’Aiguilhe. The small but impressively equipped chais boasts three different vinification techniques for the three quality levels produced: Les Charmes is fermented in horizontal steel cuves equipped with rotating paddles that keep the skins submerged, thus avoiding the need for pigeage or remontage. La Source is vinified in classic bordelaise wooden cuves. The top wine undergoes ‘vinification intégrale’ (whole bunch fermentation) in barriques equipped with openings at each end. The vineyards surround the Château and chais, and are, at 100 metres altitude on the limestone Plateau of St. Philip d’Aiguilhe, the highest in Bordeaux. 95% Merlot, the vines are assiduously worked throughout the year; removal of excess buds at the end of winter and a green harvest in august help to limit the yields, and to ensure the healthy condition of each bunch. There are two tables de tri at the winery, one vibrating, to remove any fruit that does not meet the required maturity level.