This book focuses on Saint-Estephe, the most northerly of the great Medoc communes which, for far too long has been relatively neglected. There are now some 55 chateaux in the commune. Many of them are owned by sophisticated wine producers from elsewhere, attracted by the uniqueness of the terroir and the more reasonable cost of land compared with Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux. They have invested heavily in soil analysis, replanting, in new winery equipment and have brought in fresh winemaking talent and experience. The results have been spectacular. Perhaps the strongest reason for re-appraising Saint-Estephe is that as the cost of classified growth wines has escalated in response to world demand, the real claret enthusiast can find outstanding value-for-money wines from properties that share similar climate and soil conditions. David Copp, a frequent visitor to Saint-Estephe over the last 50 years, explains how the wines have improved, and introduces the people and personalities behind them.
