Why it matters
The producer
Philippe Casteja manages Château Beau-Site Haut-Vignoble with his son Frédéric. The Casteja family has owned the property since 1955. The estate was established in 1861.
The vines average 35 years old, and annual production reaches approximately 18,000 cases. The estate selects grape varieties to produce balanced and aromatic wines.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Estèphe places the château in the Médoc. Its vineyard rises in slopes reaching peak elevations of 20 meters, with gravel, stones, clay and sand beneath the vines.
Gravel and stones allow excess water to pass, while clay can hold a reserve during dry periods. Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from this combination because drainage supports ripening and clay can reduce water stress.
Wines to know
The range in view
Ch Beau-Site Haut-Vignoble 2016 is a red Saint-Estèphe wine. Its blend contains 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
The wine ages for 12 to 15 months in an average of 50% new French oak barrels. The 2016 vintage has 15 to 20 years of ageing potential and is enjoyable to drink now.