Louis Mitjavile, known as Loulou, is François Mitjavile’s son. He is the winemaker of L’Aurage, which he owns with his wife Caroline. The vineyards of Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux lie on an outcrop of the Saint-Émilion limestone ridge and represent some of the best value in Bordeaux. This is a beautiful enclave of wooded hillsides. The plantings are 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, although the percentage of Cabernet Franc is diminishing, as all Louis’ replantings are now Merlot. The oldest vines are 17 years old. Loulou places great importance on “couture-like” winter and early-spring vineyard work. Loulou recently installed new temperature regulation in the cellars, which maintains a minimum 15-16ºC. He has found that this enables him to achieve roundness and richness more easily in his wines. L’Aurage spends 18-20 months in oak, which is 100% new, from the Radoux cooperage.