HISTORY OF DOMAINE: The petite estate of Domaine de Jaugaret has been in the Fillastre family since 1654. Jean-François Fillastre is dedicated to preserving the traditions not only of Jaugaret but of the St. Julien appellation. Stepping into the cellars of Jaugaret brings one back to an era when the Bordelais were modest and the wines were grand. Here is an estate where one finds neither pretense nor hubris just the essence of the appellation.

COMPOSITION OF DOMAINE: DOMAINE Jaugaret comprises a mere 1.3 hectares of vineyards, made up almost exclusively of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) with some Petit Verdot and Malbec to supplement this classic Medoc structure. The average age of the vines is over 50 years and some of the Malbec vineyards are in excess of 100 years old. This combination of grape varieties permits Jaugaret to find the ultimate expression of the terroir of Saint Julien taking advantage of the deep gravel beds and the long growing season that mark St. Julien. The old vines of Jaugaret combined with the unfertile, gravelly soils leads to naturally low yields again providing M. Fillastre with a concentration virtually unequalled in the appellation. Here is a truly unique wine from a gentleman who follows the most classical traditions.

METHOD OF VINIFICATION : The cuvaison is long, frequently extending for 3 weeks or more. Wines are racked into small barrels to complete the malolactic fermentation and then are left to age in a small, damp underground cellar with minimal racking. In substantial vintages, e.g. 1996 and 2000, the wines are bottled (as always unfiltered) after 30 months of aging. The wines of Jaugaret, relying so extensively on Cabernet, are built to last.