Château D'Arsac Margaux 2015

Many would argue that great art requires struggle. Look at Charlotte Brontë; absolutely wonderful author but nobody could accuse her of having an easy ride of it. Imagine if she'd been a hotel heiress with everything given to her on a shiny platter, we doubt she'd have got around to writing Jane Eyre, she probably would've just wound up in a reality TV show with Nicole Richie examining what it's like to be incomprehensibly wealthy.

It's the same for great wine; fertile, well-watered soil just doesn't produce extraordinary wines. Chateau D'Arsac understand this, their soil drains quickly, comprised of unfertile small gravel and sand which allow the vines to find their creative genius. With an elegant structure and immense fruit profile of dark berries, plum and eucalyptus backed up with well-integrated oak characters, we have to say the struggle was worth it.

Philippe Raoux acquired the Arsac property in 1986 and made extensive renovations to the château and completely modernized the winery. Aside from the standing walls, he basically started the renovations from scratch. His other priority was to reconstruct the 112 hectares of vineyard and to revive the quality of wine. A unique experience occurred when he approached the INAO, France’s national wine institution and wine regulation board, to re-qualify Château d’Arsac’s vineyard into the Margaux appellation. A true expression of tenacity by a vineyard owner. Since 1995, 54 hectares of the vineyard are classified under the AOC Margaux appellation, the remainder are classified under the AOC Haut-Médoc appellation.

Phillipe Raoux’s visionary outlook sought him to create a solid alliance between wine, vines and living art. He endeavours continuously to make Château d’Arsac a permanent expression of linking modernity with tradition. He entrusted the Bordeaux architect Patrick Hernandez the careful task of rehabilitating the Château d’Arsac and to enter the property into audacious modernity. By combining stainless steel, wood, glass and painting the winery electric blue, Château d’Arsac stands out visibly and is now regarded as one of the most original châteaux of the Médoc.