Château Pas de l’Ane

Château Pas de l’Ane was built in 1999 from a 1-hectare plot and has never stopped expanding since then. In 2006, Pas de l’Ane’s vineyard settled in the former Château Cros-Figeac, also called Château Cros-Saint-Emilion (Edition de Féret de 1998). Château Pas de L’Ane is located just a few steps away from world-famous neighbors, between Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac, in the iron-rich upper plateau of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation that’s home to not just the best wines of that AOP, but some of the best wines in the world. The now 13-hectare vineyard covers five of the eight Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation areas. This plot diversity ensures a remarkably varied geology and enables the winery to produce five Saint-Émilion Grands Crus wines, of which this is the very top end.

Wines from Château Pas de L’Ane

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Blend: 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 15 month in new French oak

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled wooden and stainless steel vats. Grapes undergo 3–5 days of cold pre-fermentation maceration (< 50°F) to enhance color and complexity. Alcoholic fermentation lasts about a week, followed by two additional weeks of maceration. Malolactic fermentation and élevage occur in 100% new Allier oak barrels (Seguin Moreau & Quintessence). The wine is aged for 15 months in an air-conditioned cellar with strict humidity control.

Vibrant notes of wildflowers, sweet spices, and red and black berries lead into a supple, concentrated palate with fine tannins and long, harmonious length. Elegant structure balanced by expressive fruit.

Optimus Blanc

Blend:100% Sémillon
Aging: 70% new French oak, 30% amphorae; 12-month élevage

Vinification and aging take place in new French oak barrels (70%) and sandstone amphorae (30%). The wine is stirred on fine lees to build roundness, volume, and aromatic richness, highlighting exotic and white-fleshed fruit. It is then aged 12 months in French oak before bottling.

White flowers, exotic fruits, and peach with a subtle thread of smoke and salinity. Full-bodied, balanced, and elegantly textured.