Château Finegrave: a family estate in the heart of Saint-Jean

Located in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, among the Grand Crus Classés, Château Finegrave is the smallest estate in the region. Founded in 1961 by André Leclerc, this family-run vineyard today spans only 85 ares (less than one hectare), a modest size that allows for meticulous and precise work on each parcel. Over the generations, the estate has preserved its heritage while evolving with the times. Marie-Claude and Fidel Eliceche took over in 1998, continuing to develop the vineyard, and since 2021, they have been joined by the third generation.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

What is the story behind the estate?

A family passion

At Château Finegrave, winemaking is a family passion. From childhood, the winemaker was immersed in memories of his grandfather and traditional harvests:

I fell into it when I was little, just like a famous Gaul from a comic book! From an early age, I accompanied my grandfather in the vineyards.

Today, the fourth generation is already involved in the estate, ensuring the transmission of this precious heritage.

How are the vines worked at the estate?

A philosophy focused on terroir and precision

At Château Finegrave, the vines are cultivated with respect and humility, in a way that enhances the terroir without forcing it.

This respect for the soil translates into sustainable viticulture and particularly precise harvesting:

In 2024, we carried out five separate harvests on different days, whereas five years ago, we used to pick everything in a single day.

This approach ensures that each parcel is harvested at optimal maturity, guaranteeing expressive and well-balanced wines. Despite its small size, the estate produces four different wines, a true rarity for a vineyard of this scale:

Cuvée Evoke: A single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Saint-Julien, a first for the appellation, authentically expressing the terroir’s typicity.

Château Finegrave AOC Saint-Julien: A structured and balanced wine, representative of the great reds of Médoc.

Rosé de Saint-Julien: An elegant wine classified as IGP Atlantique, offering a new dimension to the estate’s production.

Cuvée Syrah: A bold new addition, also classified as IGP Atlantique, reflecting the vineyard’s innovative spirit.

Having such a small estate that produces four different wines is incredible! It requires hard work but brings immense satisfaction.

What has changed at the winery in recent years?

Ongoing developments and precision winemaking

Since 2021, the winery has been entirely redesigned to improve precision and quality:

Installation of small, temperature-controlled vats for meticulous fermentation control.

Climate-controlled storage to ensure optimal aging conditions.

Advanced parcel-based vineyard management for rigorous grape selection and refined vinification.

These improvements are reflected in the estate’s steadily improving ratings from professionals, a strong acknowledgment of the work accomplished. Château Finegrave wines reflect their winemaker: robust, deep, and built to last. On the palate, the estate’s wines express density and elegance, with notes of red and black fruits, a fine tannic structure, and captivating depth.

I prefer wines with aging potential, structured wines that pair perfectly with a good red meat grilled over vine shoots. Our Saint-Julien wines fit this profile perfectly.

Beyond wine, Château Finegrave is above all a place of sharing and conviviality. Family, friends, and volunteers play an essential role in the life of the estate. Through its unique micro-cuvées, strong family roots, and commitment to quality, Château Finegrave stands out as a true hidden gem in the AOC Saint-Julien appellation, proving that greatness is not measured by the size of an estate, but by the passion and expertise of its winemaker!

Discover the wines of Château Finegrave directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Château Finegrave

Where is Château Finegrave located?

The vineyard sits within the Saint-Julien appellation in the Médoc, surrounded by Grands Crus Classés. Covering just 85 ares, it is the smallest holding in this Bordeaux AOC.

Which wines does Château Finegrave make?

Despite its modest size, the estate crafts four different wines: Cuvée Evoke, the Château Finegrave AOC Saint-Julien, a rosé classified IGP Atlantique, and a Syrah cuvée also in IGP Atlantique.

What is the Cuvée Evoke from Château Finegrave?

It is a Saint-Julien made solely from Cabernet Sauvignon, a first for the appellation. This single-grape approach highlights the terroir's character without any blending.

What style are Château Finegrave wines?

The reds are firm and built for ageing, showing aromas of red and dark fruit. Their tannic structure and depth make them natural partners for grilled meat.

Who runs Château Finegrave?

Founded in 1961 by André Leclerc, the estate passed to Marie-Claude and Fidel Eliceche in 1998. The third generation joined in 2021 and the fourth is already involved, keeping this family story alive.