Located in the commune of Preignac, the estate has been owned by AXA since 1992, and covers over 200 hectares, with vines accounting for 92 hectares on sandy-gravel soil. Classified in 1855, it is planted to 90% Semillon, with 10% Sauvignon blanc. For the richly elegant first wine, both fermentation and ageing takes place in barrel, followed by between 16 to 24 months of ageing – with anything from 35% to 70% of new oak, depending on the needs of each year’s harvest. Lower yields and stricter selection have been introduced since 2001, when the decision was taken to stop making a Crème de Tête special cuvee.