CHÂTEAU MARJOSSE

Pierre Lurton is a true 'Grand Homme' in Bordeaux. Since the age of 23 when he stopped his medical studies and got involved with running the celebrated Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, it was clear he was going to be a serious player. But one wonders if even he thought he would achieve quite so much. He now runs both Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Yquem - not to mention several spin-offs around the globe.

So it is heartening to hear that this star of the elite has found a haven in the far less glamorous 'Entre de Mers' region. Chateau Marjosse is his home and it sits right between his 2 day-jobs, on a line between Sauternes and St. Emilion.

Since he bought the property in 1997 he has updated the winery and replanted many of the plots. Using his understanding of what can make the very best wines in this part of the world. Denser planting, clever canopy management and hand harvesting are all part of the regime here - these Grand Cru ideals are bringing real class to the wines he makes here.

Chateau Marjosse, simply labelled Bordeaux, is a sophisticated and polished claret made with 80% Merlot and 10% of the 2 Cabernets. It is right up there in quality terms with many of the grander and more expensive names of St Emilion - and represents a rare bargain for a wine with such pedigree.