We were convinced of this when we bought the estate in 2002 and it has been confirmed ever since, with ever more complex wines and medals in the most prestigious competitions on a number of occasions.
But with the 2017 vintage, we're more certain of it than ever before: Château Argadens is one of the rare Bordeaux châteaux not to have been affected by frost, like so many of the historic terroirs of classed growths.
The harvest started in late August with the Sauvignon Blanc and ended on 29 September with the Petit Verdot – five weeks in all. There was no harvesting in October – a rare occurrence for the estate. All the alcoholic fermentation went off smoothly and the wines are currently at the élevage stage.
The initial tastings are encouraging, with well-balanced, highly aromatic whites and deep garnet-hued reds which are already displaying a fine palette of aromas and powerful, silky tannins.