Château Raymond-Lafon
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Château Raymond-Lafon is a family-owned winegrowing estate located in Sauternes, renowned for its sweet wines. The property is managed by the Meslier family, and its 20-hectare vineyard is planted with Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc.
Identity
Château Raymond-Lafon is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Sauternes, in Gironde. The property is owned by the Meslier family, with Jean-Pierre Meslier as co-owner and Henri Boyer as consulting oenologist.
History and Philosophy
Founded in 1850 by Raymond Lafon, Château Raymond-Lafon was acquired in 1972 by the Meslier family. Pierre Meslier, who managed Château d'Yquem from 1963 to 1990, played a pivotal role in the property's renaissance. Upon his arrival in 1972, the vineyard of Château Raymond-Lafon had only 4 hectares in production, down from 10 hectares in 1928. The château features a Napoleon III architectural style.
The estate has experienced vintages where no grand vin was produced, notably in 1974 and 2012, when the harvest did not meet the required quality and volume standards for the main cuvée. In 2012, only 40% of the harvest was retained after rigorous sorting. Pierre Meslier passed away in spring 2023.
Appellations
The estate's plots are located within the Sauternes appellation.
Key Wines
Château Raymond-Lafon primarily produces sweet wines under the Sauternes appellation. The flagship wine is Château Raymond-Lafon. The estate also crafts a second wine, Les Jeunes Pousses de Raymond-Lafon, as well as another cuvée, Le Cadet.
Practical Information
Château Raymond-Lafon is located at 4, Au Puits, 33210 Sauternes.
Telephone: 05 56 63 21 02
Email: famille.meslier@chateau-raymond-lafon.fr
The estate offers cellar-door sales as well as mail orders. Visits are available by appointment. The château does not offer accommodation or catering facilities.
Find Out More
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The Château Raymond-Lafon vineyard covers 20 hectares, including 18 hectares in production, and is situated close to Château d'Yquem. The average vine age is 35 years. The grape variety distribution comprises 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon blanc. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Vinification and Ageing
Specific details regarding vinification and ageing are not documented.
- Appellation
- Sauternes
- Commune
- Sauternes
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Classification
- Sauternes — domaine emblématique
- Owner
- Famille Meslier
- Technical direction
- Henri Boyer
- Surface area
- 20 ha
- Second wine
- Les Jeunes Pousses de Raymond-Lafon
- Grape varieties
- Sémillon 80%, Sauvignon blanc 20%
Practical information
- Address
- 4, Au Puits, 33210 SAUTERNES
- Phone
- 05 56 63 21 02
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui sur rendez-vous