Clos St-Martin is one of three Saint-Émilion estates owned by the Reiffers family — the sister properties being Côte de Baleau and Grandes Murailles.

This is a jewel of a property at a mere 1.33 hectares — not much bigger than a rugby field — Saint-Émilion’s smallest classified growth. The Reiffers have had vineyards since 1643 — so the weight of responsibility on Sophie Fourcade, currently at the helm, could be a hefty burden, but it is lightly borne.

Up till recently, she has been supported by the late consultant winemaker Michel Rolland. The philosophy of the family is to respect the terroir and rigorously pursue quality.

The vineyard enjoys an excellent location upon the renowned limestone plateau with southwestern exposure and is surrounded by four of the grands crus — Beausejour Duffau Lagarosse, Beausejour Becot, Canon and Clos Fourtet. The vineyard density is 5,000 vines per hectare, planted to 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.