Château Cap de Mourlin

Identity

Château Cap de Mourlin is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Émilion, in the Gironde department. Vignobles Capdemourlin brings together several estates. Owned by the Capdemourlin family, several family members hold active roles within the property. Thierry Capdemourlin serves as estate manager and commercial director, while François Capdemourlin is the technical director. Jacques Capdemourlin serves as managing director and has long steered the estate.

History and philosophy

Château Cap de Mourlin is one of the oldest wine estates in Saint-Émilion, dating back to the 16th century. The Capdemourlin family has been established here since that era, with the earliest documented record of a wine sale dating back to 1647. Thirteen generations of the Capdemourlin family have succeeded one another at the helm of the property. Jean Capdemourlin, a prominent figure in the estate's history, served as the first Jurat when the Jurade was re-established in 1948. In 1974, Jacques Capdemourlin took over the management of the estate and undertook a consolidation of the parcels in the late 1970s, leading to the reunification of the cru in 1983.

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture with a dedicated focus on environmental preservation, as evidenced by its Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) Level 4 and ISO 14001 certifications.

Appellations

Château Cap de Mourlin produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé appellation, holding Grand Cru Classé status since the 1955 classification. The estate also produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, notably for its CM Cap de Mourlin and Chanoine de Balestard cuvées. Château Roudier is produced under the Montagne Saint-Émilion appellation.

Practical information

Château Cap de Mourlin is located at Lieu dit Capdemourlin, 33330 Saint-Émilion. The estate can be contacted by telephone at +33 (0)5 57 74 62 06 or by email at visites@vignoblescapdemourlin.com to arrange visits and tastings. Direct wine sales are available at the property.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Cap de Mourlin vineyard spans 14 hectares situated on the northern slopes of Saint-Émilion. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone and clay-siliceous, renowned for being both rich and well-drained. The average age of the vines is 34 years. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (65%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Vineyard management incorporates constant monitoring of temperatures and rainfall patterns.

Flagship cuvées

The estate's principal cuvée is Château Cap de Mourlin, a red wine characterised by a deep colour, aromas of ripe red fruit and blackcurrant, alongside toasty, spicy nuances. On the palate, it reveals a generous, full-bodied structure supported by firm yet velvety tannins. The estate also offers CM Cap de Mourlin, a second wine, as well as other cuvées such as Château Balestard La Tonnelle, Chanoine de Balestard, and Château Roudier.

Vinification and ageing

Harvesting is carried out by hand, with the grapes collected in small perforated crates. Vinification includes cold pre-fermentation maceration using dry ice. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a temperature-controlled room. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for approximately 15 to 18 months, with 50% new oak. The blends are subsequently crafted collaboratively by the family, the oenologist, the cellar master, and the technical team.