Producer
L'Hetre
Jacques Thienpont is best known for his iconic Pomerol, Le Pin. In 2015, during a visit to one of the right bank's most exciting, but until recently, less recognised appellations Cotes de Castillon, he was struck by the location of a small 10 hectare vineyard owned by some Belgian friends at the end of the limestone plateau running eastwards from St Emilion. Jacques and his sister couldn’t resist it and the next Thienpont star was born. It is named L’Hetre in honour of the beauty of the fine mature beech tree that sits so prominently in the chateau’s gardens. The Thienpont way is all about family. Proud of their Belgian roots, they are also one of the great right bank dynasties; Google the name and you see a Who’s Who of Pomerol and St Emilion estates. Jacques appointed his nephew Maxime as manager and the suave polish that is so very much the family style oozes out of this glorious Castillon wine. Merlot in essence (85%), uplifted by the grace and brightness of its Cabernet Franc (15%), this wine depicts the best of its clay/limestone geology which enjoys a perfect south-easterly exposure and the cool breezes that come with its hillside location. As with all Jacques’ wines simplicity is his way, letting the vineyard and its fruit shine on their own. Fermentation is in a mix of concrete and oak vats and aging in the finest oak casks split evenly 1/3 each new, 1 year and 2 years old, 15 months aging allowing the very best of Cotes de Castillon be captured in a bottle.
