Michel Brunet took over in 1963 and expanded the estate by planting more vineyards. Since 2002 Michel’s son, Yannick, has been managing the château, which these days stands out as one of the few remaining family concerns in this superstar appellation.
The estate sits on one of the highest sites in Margaux, with around 7ha of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (the latter vines averaging 90 years – dating back to when the estate was founded!) planted. The average vine age is 40 years old.
There always seems to be a disconnect in Bordeaux – yes, these are fabulous, luxurious wines, but they are produced on an almost industrial scale. It goes against the feeling that such wines should be crafted by hand in a small, humble cellar. Failure to reconcile that in the mind of a wine lover can often lead to them abandoning Bordeaux all together. To find an estate that fits the artisanal bill, that fulfils the promise of a small, boutique winery, is refreshing, and the results are delicious. Château Barraillots achieves the elegance, balance, and perfume that has long set Margaux apart from its neighbours, and does it on an artisanal scale.
