It was a little before 8 a.m. when we began our third harvest at Château Papounan. The morning was cool, typical of autumns in the Medoc, But the sun quickly warmed up our vineyards. The timing was perfect – a week after the Médoc Wine Marathon, The perfect weekend to harvest our grapes.
The 2025 vintage should be very good!
All the winemakers of the appellation Saint-Estèphe They all agree: 2025 will be an exceptional vintage. Despite a dry summer that kept the berries small, the aromatic concentration of our grapes is remarkable.
Our plot of 0.2 hectares, planted in equal parts with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which enjoyed ideal weather, sparing us from the usual diseases such as mildew.
However, the lack of rain in July and early August kept the bunches quite small, which concentrates the aromas.
Fortunately, it rained well in late August and early September, just enough to give the grains some volume without diluting this beautiful concentration. When we cut the clusters that morning, we immediately noticed the quality: magnificent grains, a perfect blush, ideal maturity.
The old-timers say that years ending in 5 always produce great vintages in the Médoc. 2005, 2015, and now 2025. Coincidence or not, looking at our clusters this year, we have a desire to believe it.
Harvesting is so much better with friends
This year, we weren’t alone. Our friends Marc and Réjane, who recently settled on the right bank after living in a multitude of countries (we met them in the United States), came from Gironde to help us out.
And what a difference! Last year it was just the two of us for 10 hours – we were exhausted. This year, with four of us, we finished in 5 hours in a great atmosphere. Amarok, Our Alaskan Malamute was supervising us as usual, patrolling the ranks.
A well-organized day
We invested this year in new transport tanks – real red and grey harvesting tanks that really make work easier. Our small plot of 0.2 hectares is planted half Merlot, half Cabernet Sauvignon, the classic Saint-Étienne blend.
Around the middle of the morning, we took a break for a real breakfast: homemade jam, bread and fresh croissants. It’s important to take your time, even during the harvest.
At the beginning of the afternoon, it was all over. Just over 320 kg of grapes ready to be sent to the cooperative. That’s not a huge amount – all the winemakers in the area are reporting lower yields this year – but it’s more than enough for us. These grapes will become part of our Marquis of Saint-Estèphe, the wine from the cooperative.
After the effort, comfort
After work, let the party begin! We lit the barbecue, but not with ordinary charcoal – with vine branches. These vine branches burn very hot and give the meat an incomparable flavor. On the menu: a huge T-bone steak from Pigoud by Dylan, the local butcher of Saint-Estèphe.
And to thank Marc and Réjane? We opened a bottle of Pagodes de Cos, the second wine of the Château Cos d’Estournel. It’s one of our favorites, and it was the perfect opportunity.
There is something special about sharing a meal after working together in the vineyards. The conversations are different, the wine tastes even better, and the memories created are authentic. Réjane took a lot of photos and even a short video – simple moments of joy that cannot be put into words.
In 2026?
It’s difficult to predict the exact date – it depends on the weather, sugar levels, and many factors that change every year. But with climate change, the harvests in the Médoc are arriving earlier and earlier. The weekend after the harvest Médoc Wine Marathon It’s usually the right time. For the small producers of the Marquis de Saint-Estèphe cooperative, it’s always a Saturday.
Want to experience this? ? Book your stay at Château Papounan, in the heart of our vineyards.
