Why it matters
The producer
Gérard Bougès took over the property in 1983, establishing the modern commercial entity. In 1988, he and his wife Marie-Christine produced the first vintage under the Château La Fon du Berger name. The estate remains family operated by the third generation, with Vincent Bougès involved in vineyard management and Guillaume Bougès in commercial and tourism work.
The range covers two Bordeaux appellations, Haut-Médoc and Pauillac. Château La Fon du Berger makes separate wines for each appellation, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot central to both.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The Haut-Médoc wine comes from sandy-gravelly soils and 45-year-old vines. The Pauillac wine comes from deep gravelly ridges that deliver the typical characteristics of Pauillac terroir. The two appellation names remain separate on the labels, linking each wine to its own site category.
Wines to know
The range in view
Château La Fon du Berger Haut-Médoc uses 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It spends 12 months in French oak, with almost a quarter of the barrels made from new wood.
Château La Fon du Berger Pauillac uses 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. It spends 16 months in French oak, with 90% new wood. The two wines therefore differ in both grape composition and barrel treatment.