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St-Emilion & Pomerol: Six big name side projects worth knowing

If you can’t afford the Right Bank’s starriest names, seek out smaller châteaux under the same ownership. You’ll often find first-rate wines, priced at a considerably more affordable level.

Stumped by the price of a particularly famous château in St-Emilion or Pomerol? Attracted by the style and execution but know the wine is out of reach? There may be a solution.

A number of these grand estates also own properties in less exalted appellations, often using the same team and work practices as they do at the top estate. The wines, therefore, have a defined quality, but the bonus is they sell at a much more affordable price.


See tasting notes and scores for six top St-Emilion and Pomerol ‘second site’ picks


The most usual reasons for the acquisition of a secondary estate (or estates) are diversification and expansion into a more affordable region, land-wise.

With prices per hectare popping in St-Emilion and Pomerol, the likes of Castillon, Lalande de Pomerol, the St-Emilion satellites and even parts of Entre-deux-Mers can look highly attractive.

There can also be a sentimental stimulus and, when it comes to a key figure running the great estate, the motivation of a more personalised project.


See James Lawther MW’s top St-Emilion and Pomerol ‘second site’ picks


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