Château Péby Faugères

“Legend Of The Future” -Robert Parker

With its rich history, picturesque vineyards, and a dedication to excellence, this château has become a symbol of the Bordeaux Right Bank winemaking prowess. Established in 1998 and named in homage to former owner Pierre-Bernard Guisez, fondly known as Péby, the estate has risen to prominence with its flagship wine, Péby Faugères, guided by its story of charm and sophistication.

History Exceeding Expectation

While Chateau Péby Faugères is often perceived as a relatively recent addition to the Bordeaux wine scene – and that perception is accurate – the vineyard itself boasts a long and storied history on the Right Bank, stretching back to the beginning of the 17thcentury when it was originally established by Andre de Faugèresand first cultivated by the Esquissaud family in 1823.

Over the years, the property changed hands and underwent various transformations. In 1987, Pierre Bernard Guisez and Corinne Guisez inherited the vineyards from the Esquissaud family, who had been custodians of the property for nearly a century. In a remarkably short period, by 1998, the estate was already producing wines of significantly higher quality. 7 years later the Chateau entered a new era under the ownership of Silvio Denz, a Swiss businessman who had made his fortune in the perfume industry. Perfume apparently was not his only aromatic passion, as Denz transformed the Saint-Émilion estate into a true institution of magnificent Bordeaux fine wine. That same year the 2005 vintage was featured in Robert Parkers Wine Advocate with a perfect 100-point score, promising the estate to be a “Legend of the future”.

Vineyards and Terroir

One of the key factors contributing to Château Péby Faugères' success is its exceptional terroir. The vineyards, spanning approximately 7.45 hectares, are situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, where the soil composition and microclimate create optimal conditions for cultivating perfect grapes. Péby Faugères is an embodiment of the estate's ongoing pursuit of perfection. Crafted from 100% Merlot grapes, carefully selected from the property's best plots, this wine is a testament to the expertise of renowned oenologist Michel Rolland. The conversion to organic production, initiated in 2017, culminated in the Organic Agriculture certification for the 2020 vintage. With a stringent selection process and limited yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, Péby Faugères prioritizes quality over quantity, resulting in a highly sought-after production of only 12,000 bottles annually.

Winemaking Philosophy

Château Péby Faugères is renowned for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques coupled with a modern approach. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure the selection of only the finest fruit. The complete winemaking process unfolds in barrels and temperature-controlled conical wooden vats, featuring pre-fermentation cold maceration, gentle vatting periods, and malolactic fermentation in barrels. Maturation occurs over 18 months on fine lees, with 60% taking place in new French oak barrels, adding depth and complexity to the final product.

Legendary Consulting

Michel Rolland, a highly influential wine consultant, has left an indelible mark on the global winemaking landscape. Originating from France, he played a pivotal role in transforming winemaking practices worldwide during the 1980s. Boasting a career spanning over four decades, Michel has been a driving force behind the success of several Napa Valley wineries. His expertise transcends borders, reaching from France to Napa Valley and extending to Argentina, where his brilliance continues to illuminate the winemaking scene. Widely acclaimed for his mastery in the art of blending, he has played a crucial role in crafting numerous 100-point wines for some of the world's most prestigious estates. With a wealth of experience exceeding 40 years Château Péby benefits greatly from Rolland’s consulting role, creating exquisite wines.

Péby Faugères

RP97 “A very limited production cuvee, the 2010 PebyFaugeres is sold in a specially designed bottle from Silvio Denz, who also owns Lalique Crystal. It comes from the oldest portion of the Faugeres vineyard, which is actually more of a completely separate entity under Denz than it was under the previous owners. The 2010 is 100% Merlot and again 15% natural alcohol. The vines were cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, but harvested about a week before the harvest finished for the main Faugeres vineyard. Most observers would tend to look at this wine as a modern-style, massive, intense St.-Emilion, with an opaque purple color, a floral nose shaded by notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with black raspberries, vanillin, subtle smoke and barrique smells. It is full-bodied and built for two decades of longevity, but should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years because of the 100% Merlot content. This is a thrilling wine, as it has been in nearly every vintage where it has been produced.”

The estate's flagship wine, Péby Faugères, is a testament to the pinnacle of winemaking artistry. Primarily composed of Merlot, Péby Faugères is known for its opulence, depth, and aging potential. The wine's profile often features intense black fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and a harmonious balance that reflects the unique characteristics of the Saint-Émilion terroir.

A Wine Worth Exploring

Château Péby Faugères stands as a shining example of the Saint-Émilion appellation's winemaking heritage. Through a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality, this estate continues to craft wines that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a journey into the heart of Bordeaux's winemaking excellence, Château Péby Faugères is undoubtedly a destination worth exploring.