France, Bordeaux

A few rows from the iconic Le Pin sits Château La Croix Saint George, that once belonged to the Hospitaliers of Saint Jean de Jerusalem, hence the religious name. It was purchased by the Janoueix family in 1932. Until recent years there were no wine making facilities at La Croix Saint George, with the grapes being carted off to nearby Château La Croix for vinification. When Philippe Janoueix took the reins in 1999, he built proper facilities at La Croix Saint George and the wine is now made and matured on site. The 4.2ha of vineyard are 95% Merlot with the balance being Cabernet Franc, with an average age of 38 years. The wines are aged in 100% new wood, with the barrels being an unusual elongated cigar-shape to allow for more lees contact.