Who makes it
Georges Brunet, former owner of Bordeaux third growth Château La Lagune, established Château Vignelaure north of Aix-en-Provence. The estate became a pioneer of Cabernet Sauvignon planting in Provence, and Cabernet Sauvignon became a defining vineyard choice in its red wines.
Château Vignelaure is now owned by Swedish couple Bengt and Mette Sundstrom, who fell in love with the place while looking for a retirement home. The estate has converted to organic farming and produces red, white and rosé wines.
Where it grows
The vines sit at over 400 meters above sea level among green hills in the northeastern Var department. Château Vignelaure lies 35 km from Aix-en-Provence. Roussanne, Rolle, also called Vermentino, and Sémillon are planted in a higher part of the vineyard for the white wines.
What they make
Château Vignelaure produces red, white and rosé wines. The flagship red is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend from old vines, with 50% of each grape in recent vintages. Earlier vintages lean toward a Bordeaux style, while more recent releases balance that style with Provençal character.
The red has strawberry, blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry aromas with leather, earthy flavours and a hint of spice. The palate has present tannins, mature fruit and licorice on a long finish. The red has ageing potential between 15 and 20 years.