Château la Haye
Updated on
Château La Haye is a historic winegrowing estate in Saint-Estèphe, acquired by Chris Cardon in 2012. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois, the estate cultivates approximately 28 hectares on clay-limestone and gravel soils, with grape varieties dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Identity
Château La Haye is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Estèphe, in Gironde. Chris Cardon has owned the property since 2012. Jean-René Lamiable manages the estate. For winemaking, the estate benefits from the expertise of consultant oenologist Eric Boissenot.
History and philosophy
Château La Haye is an estate whose winegrowing activity dates back to the 16th century, with the vineyard first established in 1557. One of the property's distinctive features is its monogram of entwined letters H and D, recalling Henri II and Diane de Poitiers. The estate remained within the same family for 370 years. In 2012, Chris Cardon acquired the property. Château La Haye is classified as a Cru Bourgeois and applied in 2017 for the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel classification.
The appellations
Château La Haye produces wines under the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The estate also manages vineyards for other cuvées, notably Château Bellevue Cardon in the Pauillac appellation.
Practical information
Château La Haye is located at 1 Rue de Saint-Affrique Leyssac, 33180 SAINT-ESTEPHE. You can contact the estate by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 59 32 18 or by email at info@chateaulahaye.com.
The cellar door shop is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00 continuously without an appointment from May to September inclusive. Outside this period, tours and tastings are available by appointment all year round. The estate offers complimentary tours and tastings of three wines. Groups of up to 30 people are welcome. Languages spoken are French and English. On-site boutique purchases and delivery services are available, with payments accepted by credit/debit card, cheque, and cash. Pets are not permitted.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What grape varieties are planted in the Château La Haye vineyard?
- The Château La Haye vineyard is planted mainly with Merlot (around 50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). Petit Verdot accounts for 5% of the plantings, Cabernet Franc 4%, and Malbec 1%. This composition reflects the traditional grape varieties of the Bordeaux region, shaping the distinctive character of the wines produced at the estate.
- What is the history of Château La Haye?
- Winegrowing at Château La Haye dates back to the 16th century, with its vineyard established in 1557. The property remained under family ownership for 370 years. A distinctive historical feature is its monogram of interlaced H and D, referring to Henri II and Diane de Poitiers. In 2012, Chris Cardon became the owner of the estate, which is classified as Cru Bourgeois and applied in 2017 for the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel classification.
- Which appellations do the wines of Château La Haye cover?
- Château La Haye primarily produces wines under the Saint-Estèphe appellation. In addition to this flagship appellation, the estate also manages vineyards used to produce other cuvées, notably Château Bellevue Cardon in the Pauillac appellation. As a result, the estate offers a varied range across different Bordeaux appellations.
- Is Château La Haye open to the public for visits?
- Yes, Château La Haye is open to the public. The cellar door shop is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00 continuously without an appointment from May to September. Outside this period, tours and tastings are available by appointment throughout the year. The estate offers complimentary tours and tastings of three wines and can host groups of up to 30 people. French and English are spoken.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard of Château La Haye covers approximately 28 hectares. The soils consist of clay-limestone and fine gravel, with patches of quartz and rounded pebbles, as well as a light, clayey topsoil. These terroirs, shaped into gravel ridges (croupes), are well drained, encouraging deep root systems for the vines. The average age of the vines is 40 years. The grape varieties comprise Merlot (around 50-55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (around 35-40%), Petit Verdot (around 5%), Cabernet Franc (around 4%), and Malbec (around 1%). Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Flagship cuvées
The estate's grand vin is Château La Haye. Le Cèdre de La Haye is the second wine. The property also produces other cuvées, such as Majesté and Cuvée 1557, the latter created to mark the Château's 460th anniversary. The range also includes Le Bordeaux de La Haye, a Rosé de La Haye, and a Blanc de La Haye. In addition, the estate offers the cuvées Château Clauzet (acquired in 2018) and Château Bellevue Cardon (with its inaugural vintage in 2015).
Vinification and ageing
The estate produces around 65,000 bottles per year.
- Appellations
- Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac
- Commune
- Saint-Estèphe
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- Chris Cardon
- Technical direction
- Jean-René Lamiable
- Surface area
- 28 ha
- Second wine
- Le Cèdre de La Haye
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Petit Verdot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Malbec 1%
Practical information
- Address
- 1 Rue de Saint-Affrique Leyssac, 33180 SAINT-ESTEPHE
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 56 59 32 18
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Du lundi au samedi de 11h à 18h en continu sans rendez-vous de mai à septembre inclus.
- Visits
- Sur rendez-vous, toute l’année