Château Guiraud, the first growth Sauternes estate, sold for €20m (£13.8m) it emerged this week.
The chateau was acquired by four buyers: Robert Peugeot from the car firm of the same name, Stephan von Neipperg of Château Canon La Gaffelière in St-Emilion, Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier in Pessac-Léognan, and Guiraud’s current winemaking director, Xavier Planty.
‘This deal amounted to about one-twentieth of what Château Montrose cost,’ Von Neipperg told decanter.com. ‘And is probably the last first growth in Sauternes that can be bought at such a reasonable price.’
Chateau Montrose, the St-Estephe second-growth property, was sold earlier this year for a reported €140m (£96.5m).
Von Neipperg, who already owns several properties in Bordeaux, said that Sauternes needs to be made more fashionable, ‘much like Pierre Lurton is doing at Yquem.’
‘Bordeaux is conservative, and people need to be made aware that Sauternes is not just a drink for foie gras and dessert,’ he said.
Von Neipperg said he was confident that the new team would do ‘great things’ with Château Guiraud.
Planty will retain winemaking duties with Bernard and Von Neipperg helping to market the wine.
Most shares have been bought by Peugeot, although it is understood that he will not be part of the day-to-day running of the property.
Written by Panos Kakaviatos
