Two Chateaux are changing hands (this is a real scoop!) The first is in Haut-Médoc, Chateau Malescasse; formerly the property of the Tesseron family, it was then acquired by Alcatel. Today they are selling. The lucky buyer is Philippe Austruy. We know him for his beautiful Commanderie de Peyrassol that produces beautiful rosés near Brignoles. A splendid estate with contemporary sculptures placed in the middle of the vineyards – producing an awesome effect. The good news in all this is to learn that my friend Daniel Benharros will be management consultant for Malescasse. He immediately commissioned Stéphane Derencourt to put things in order. Let’s wait and see Malescasse come back alongside the best.
The second castle is Chateau Mersault itself, remarkable for its immense vaulted cellars dating back to the 12th century and for wines that have returned to the right path of late. It is rumored that the new owner, Olivier Halley (The Promodès Connection) paid about twenty millions, without the vines but including the supply contracts. The gossip is that a top Burgundy man is in charge of the operation, which is far more fascinating than the Gevrey Chambertain non-event. This man would be able to open up new avenues for the famous house he has been advising for several years. We look forward to seeing how things develop.
