2004 Château Le Pape l'Excellence, 3.0ltr

Chateau Le Pape in Léognan was founded in the 18th century by a French master sailmaker, who sold it to a Spanish landowner, who eventually sold it to a German landscape painter. In the early 20th century it was bought and sold several times, and in 2012 it was purchased by Robert G. Wilmers, owner of nearby Château Haut-Bailly. With 18 vineyard acres in a single block, the estate produces about 40,000 bottles annually. The wine is Merlot-based.

Pessac-Léognan was created in 1987 from the northern part of the left bank Graves appellation. Before then it was simply part of Graves, or sometimes it was called Haut-Graves. Unlike many other Bordeaux appellations, Pessac-Léognan is known for both red and dry white wines, although its reds are more famous. The appellation includes ten communes and the area’s most important châteaux, including Château Haut-Brion, the only non-Médoc estate included in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. There are 2,964 acres of vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and 16 classified growth estates. The main red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. White grapes grown are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle. Pessac-Léognan is considered to have the best terroir of the greater Graves region.