Haut Medoc

 

The Haut Medoc represents 25-30% of the Medoc's total wine output in an average year. It's vineyards cover some 4.600 ha. The area is extending from the southern borders of the Medoc AC to the outskirts of Bordeaux (the city) to the south, excluding the territories of the more prestigous communes. Generally speaking, the Haut Medoc can potentially produce better wines than it's northern neighbor for it's terroir is more abundantly blessed with fine gravel soil. Nonetheless, quality is less consistent than for the eastern communes, as these vineyards are situated more far from the Gironde, that can offset cool temperatures in bad years, benefiting the vineyards in it's proximity. Maximum yield is set to 43 hl/ha. Above this the wine can only be sold using the less glamorous Bordeaux appellation. This huge area is also home to 5 classed growths, La Lagune, Cantemerle, Belgrave, Camensac and La Tour-Carnet as well as to numerous cru bourgeois estates.

 

The entrance to Chateau La Lagune