Château La Couspaude

The estate's origins trace back to the Middle Ages, when it was known as La Croix Paute. In 1908, Prosper-Jean Robin purchased the property, and by 1941 it had passed into the Aubert family through marriage. The Aubert family brings considerable depth to the estate's story, having cultivated vineyards in Saint-Émilion since the mid-18th century. The vineyard footprint itself has remained stable for roughly 300 years, a testament to the natural boundaries set by the plateau terrain. A gold medal at the 1867 World's Fair in Paris confirms the estate's long-standing reputation well before its modern reinvention.

• Historical name La Croix Paute dates to the Middle Ages
• Purchased by Prosper-Jean Robin in 1908; Aubert family ownership began in 1941
• Aubert family has farmed Saint-Émilion vines since the mid-18th century
• Gold medal winner at the 1867 Paris World's Fair

La Couspaude sits on the clay-limestone plateau that defines the highest-quality terroir in Saint-Émilion, at a peak elevation of 75 meters on an east-facing slope. The soils consist of a thin layer of clay-limestone, ranging from 40 to 80 centimeters deep, directly above hard limestone bedrock. This shallow profile forces vine roots deep into the rock, limiting yields and concentrating flavors. The 7-hectare vineyard is positioned close to the town center and the famous monolithic church, placing it in the heart of the appellation's most prized zone.

• 75-meter elevation on an east-facing slope near Saint-Émilion town center
• Thin clay-limestone topsoil (40-80cm) over hard limestone subsoil
• Proximity to the monolithic church places it in the appellation's inner plateau
• 7 hectares, stable in size for approximately 300 years

The vineyard is planted to a typical Saint-Émilion blend dominated by Merlot at 75%, complemented by 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot performs exceptionally well on the clay-limestone plateau, where its affinity for cooler, moisture-retentive soils translates into ripe, fleshy fruit with good structure. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and freshness to the blend, while the small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon contributes backbone and longevity.

• 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot's suitability for clay-limestone soils drives the planting philosophy
• Cabernet Franc provides aromatic lift and structural definition

The 1995 vintage represents a clear stylistic turning point for La Couspaude, marking the estate's transition to the modern, richly extracted approach it maintains today. Wines are aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels, with new oak usage ranging from 80 to 100 percent. This intensive oak regime contributes to the wine's hallmark character: fleshy texture, concentration, and a polished, approachable structure. The style is firmly in the modern Bordeaux camp, emphasizing early-drinking pleasure alongside genuine depth from the plateau terroir.

• 1995 was the breakout vintage that defined the current modern style
• 16-20 months in 80-100% new French oak barrels
• Profile emphasizes concentration, fleshy texture, and early accessibility
• Balances terroir-driven depth with the hallmarks of modern winemaking