Clos la Madeleine

Clos la Madeleine sits on the Magdelaine plateau on the outskirts of Saint-Émilion village, a sector with a viticultural history stretching back to the 6th century. The estate covers just 2.3 hectares of south-facing plateau and terraces, giving the vines strong sun exposure throughout the growing season. The soils are clay-limestone (argilo-calcaire), and in certain areas the limestone bedrock lies beneath a mere 50 centimeters of clay. This shallow profile forces vine roots deep into the rock, contributing to the estate's characteristic mineral signature.

• South-facing plateau and terraces maximize ripening potential
• Clay-limestone soils with limestone bedrock at very shallow depth in places
• Part of the ancient Magdelaine sector with vines recorded since the 6th century
• Located on the outskirts of Saint-Émilion village within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation

The estate is planted predominantly to Merlot at 76%, with Cabernet Franc making up the remaining 24%. This blend is typical of Saint-Émilion's limestone-dominant plateau sites, where Merlot ripens with exceptional roundness and Cabernet Franc adds structure and aromatic complexity. The shallow clay-limestone soils keep yields naturally low and encourage concentration without sacrificing the elegant, mineral character for which the property is known.

• 76% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc
• Shallow soils restrict vine vigor and promote concentration
• Blend typical of Saint-Émilion plateau terroir
• Cabernet Franc contributes structure to the predominantly Merlot base

Clos la Madeleine takes its name from the Magdelaine limestone plateau on which it stands, a site with documented vine cultivation since the 6th century. From 2006 through the 2016 harvest, the estate benefited from the consultancy of Hubert de Boüard, the influential winemaker behind Château Angélus. In September 2017, Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, the Libourne-based négociant and estate owner responsible for properties including Pétrus and Bélair-Monange, acquired Clos la Madeleine. Beginning with the 2022 vintage, the vineyard was fully integrated into the adjacent Château Bélair-Monange, effectively bringing the independent identity of Clos la Madeleine to a close.

• Named for the historic Magdelaine plateau outside Saint-Émilion village
• Hubert de Boüard served as consultant from 2006 to the 2016 harvest
• Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired the estate in September 2017
• Integrated into Château Bélair-Monange from the 2022 vintage onward

Wines from Clos la Madeleine are described as elegant and charming rather than powerful, reflecting the minerality of their shallow clay-limestone terroir. Red fruit aromas dominate the profile, with the mineral character of the limestone bedrock threading through the palate. The high Merlot percentage delivers supple tannins and accessible fruit, while the Cabernet Franc component provides definition and a savory edge. These qualities made the vineyard a logical complement to Bélair-Monange, which shares similar terroir and stylistic ambitions.