Château Cadet-Bon

The estate traces its origins to the 14th century, when it was established by Jacques Bon dit Le Cadet, from whom the property takes its name. Over the centuries it has also been known as Cadet-Pinaud-Bon. The modern chapter began in 2001 when Guy Richard acquired the estate and undertook a focused program of quality improvement. Richard brought in Stéphane Derenoncourt, one of Bordeaux's most respected winemaking consultants, whose influence reshaped the estate's approach in the vineyard and cellar. That commitment to quality extended to organic farming, with full certification achieved in 2021.

• Founded 14th century by Jacques Bon dit Le Cadet
• Historically known under the alternate name Cadet-Pinaud-Bon
• Guy Richard acquired the estate in 2001 and initiated quality-focused investment
• Organic farming certification achieved in 2021

Few estates in Saint-Émilion carry a classification record as eventful as Château Cadet-Bon. The property was included in the original 1955 Saint-Émilion classification as a Grand Cru Classé, a system notable for its periodic revisions unlike the static 1855 Médoc classification. Cadet-Bon lost its status in the 1986 revision, regained it in 1996, was dropped again in 2006, and was reinstated once more in 2012. This history underscores both the rigor and the controversy that have surrounded Saint-Émilion's classification process, as well as the genuine improvements made under Richard's ownership that secured the estate's current standing.

• Originally classified Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in 1955
• Dropped from classification in 1986, reinstated in 1996
• Dropped again in 2006, reinstated in 2012
• Current classification: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

The 7-hectare vineyard sits on a south-facing slope, a prized aspect in Saint-Émilion that maximizes sun exposure and promotes even ripening. Six of those hectares form a single contiguous block, giving the estate excellent consistency in site character. The soils are Calcaire à Astéries, the fossiliferous limestone that underlies much of the Saint-Émilion plateau and upper slopes, covered by superficial clay and anchored by deep limestone bedrock. This combination delivers natural drainage, mineral tension, and the conditions that allow Merlot to develop both richness and structural precision. The climate is temperate maritime, moderated by the proximity to the Gironde estuary.

• South-facing slope with Calcaire à Astéries limestone, superficial clay, and deep limestone bedrock
• 6 of 7 hectares in a single contiguous block for consistent terroir expression
• Temperate maritime climate moderated by proximity to the Gironde estuary
• Limestone bedrock promotes drainage and contributes to mineral character

The estate produces a full-bodied red wine from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot dominance reflects both the limestone terroir and the Saint-Émilion house style, while the Cabernet Franc component adds floral lift, structural definition, and aromatic complexity. Stéphane Derenoncourt's influence is apparent in the precision and polish of the wines, which show dark fruit, floral notes, and elegant tannins rather than excessive extraction. The organic certification aligns with the meticulous site management that the terroir demands.