Why it matters
The producer
Château Lamothe's vineyard foundations date to the 16th century. Damien Chombart works as vigneron, using sustainable viticulture alongside measures for wild habitat. The property has planted oak trees inoculated with Tuber Melanosporum for commercial black truffle production and installed Bee Hotels for wild bees and other pollinators. HVE certification followed in 2018.
Château Manos was acquired in 1991. The estate's red range includes Valentine Red and Château Lamothe Red Traditionnel, linking Bordeaux grape varieties to a property whose cellar history is cut into limestone.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
On the Right Bank just southwest of Bordeaux city, Château Lamothe sits among clay and limestone slopes in Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux. The appellation places the bottles within Bordeaux's red wine tradition, while the ground controls water and heat around the vine.
Clay can retain water and release it slowly, supporting ripening during dry weather. Limestone drains excess water and can contribute a firmer, fresher feel, while slope runoff adds variation in moisture. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc therefore meet different balances of ripeness, acidity and tannin across mixed ground.
Wines to know
The range in view
Valentine Red 2022 is a red Bordeaux wine from Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Morello cherry gives the wine its fruit profile, while the palate is fleshy and delicate with evolution through the finish.
Château Lamothe Red Traditionnel is built from 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry sit beside floral notes and cocoa.