Collection: L'Hetre

L’Hêtre is the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux estate of Jacques Thienpont and his sister Anne, part of the family behind some of the great names of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, including Le Pin in Pomerol and L’If in Saint-Émilion. They acquired the property in 2015 after being drawn to its position on the limestone plateau that continues east from Saint-Émilion. 

Today the estate covers 27 hectares, planted to around 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc across a mix of deep clay and limestone soils, with the vineyards certified organic. The approach follows the same focus on site and precision found at the family’s more famous estates, but in the less celebrated appellation of Castillon. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, followed by elevage in French oak. 

The wines have the generosity and depth you expect from Merlot on the Right Bank, but the limestone brings freshness, structure and a distinctly mineral edge. It’s serious Bordeaux with impressive pedigree, without the price tag attached to the more famous appellations next door.