Château Lamothe

Château Lamothe carries one of the longest documented histories in Sauternes, with origins tracing to at least the 8th century under the name Château Lamothe-d'Assault. The current château building dates to the 16th century. The estate was included in the landmark 1855 Bordeaux Classification as a Second Growth, cementing its status among the great sweet wine producers of the region. Following that classification, the property was eventually divided into separate estates. The two principal successors are Lamothe-Guignard and Lamothe Despujols, each carrying forward the classified status of the original domaine.

• Origins documented to at least the 8th century under the name Château Lamothe-d'Assault
• Current château structure built in the 16th century
• Classified as 2ème Cru Classé in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification
• Estate divided post-1855 into Lamothe-Guignard and Lamothe Despujols

The vineyards of Château Lamothe sit at one of the highest points within the commune of Sauternes, an elevation that sets it apart from many neighboring estates. The soils shift across the property, with argilo-graveleuses (clay-gravel) soils on north and northwest-facing slopes, and gravelly soils across the plateau sections. This combination of drainage, aspect, and elevation creates the precise microclimate necessary for the development of Botrytis cinerea. The proximity to the Ciron river valley further reinforces conditions favorable for noble rot, as cool morning mists from the Ciron meeting warm afternoon air generate the humidity that triggers botrytis selectively across the vineyard.

• One of the highest elevation sites in the Sauternes commune
• Clay-gravel soils on north and northwest-facing slopes; gravelly plateau soils elsewhere
• Microclimate shaped by Ciron river valley influences, essential for botrytis development
• 7.5 hectares under vine

Sémillon dominates the blend at 70%, providing the textural richness, waxy mouthfeel, and capacity for botrytization that define great Sauternes. Sauvignon Blanc contributes aromatic lift and acidity, while Muscadelle adds floral complexity. This classic Sauternes cépage follows the appellation's long-standing tradition of blending for both depth and freshness. Wines are produced in the liquoreux style, meaning they are fully sweet and richly concentrated, with the botrytis influence driving the signature dried fruit and honeyed character that distinguishes Sauternes from other sweet wine regions.

• 70% Sémillon forms the backbone of the blend
• Sauvignon Blanc adds aromatic lift and structural acidity
• Muscadelle contributes floral notes to the blend
• Liquoreux style: fully sweet, botrytis-influenced wines

The acquisition of Lamothe-Guignard by brothers Philippe and Jacques Guignard in 1981 marked a turning point for the estate. Prior to their stewardship, the property had not consistently fulfilled its classified growth potential. The Guignards invested in both vineyard management and cellar practices, steadily improving quality over the following decades. Their efforts are widely credited with restoring Lamothe-Guignard to a level of production more befitting its 1855 status, making it one of the more compelling quality-to-price propositions among Sauternes Second Growths.