Larmande as a place-name is recorded as early as 1585 associated with wine production, and a stone in the cellar is dated 1640, making this one of the oldest Saint Emilion properties. A vineyard of around 25 hectares is made up of diverse soild types, some clay-limstone, some siliceous clay, and some sands. The average vine age is over 30 years old at present, and is made up of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Viticulture is traditional with ploughing and no weedkillers, and harvesting is manual with two sorting tables to make sure only the best fruit gets into the vats. The élevage of the first wine is done in up to 60% new wood and 40% second year barrels. The estate is run by Claire Thomas-Chenard, who is an oenology graduate of Bordeaux University, with additional winemaking advice from Michel Rolland.