Chateau Destieux

Chateau Destieux has its name evolved from the French word ‘des yeux’ which means ‘of the eyes’, referring to the extensive view from the chateau. It is located on the topmost heights of St-Emilion, right next to Laroque.

8 ha in size, this estate has been under the Dauriac family for more than thirty years. It was acquired by Madame Dauriac in 1971, the mother of the current owner Christian Dauriac. With the help of his friend Michel Rolland, the vathouse was entirely restructured and the estate renovated.

The soil is chalky-clay, with the vines 40-50 years old, planted with 66% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. Green harvesting and leaf-thinning are practiced.

Manually harvested, the grapes are sorted before de-stemming, and then sorted again before putting in temperature-controlled wooden vats. The must is then transferred to 100% new oak to age for 15-24 months.

I have recently tasted the 2000 vintage and below is my tasting note:


Good quality St-Emilion of medium ruby, the rims are of garnet and showing the maturity. The nose is intense with good complexity, showing developing aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum and blackberry, liquorice, leather, dark chocolate, cedar, cigar box and earth. Medium in acidity, the tannin is ripe and velvety, with medium body and reasonably concentrated flavors, showing blackberry and dark plum, cedar, cinnamon, cocoa. Having a medium finish, the wine is ready to drink now but can benefit from further ageing of another 4-6 years.