Region	Saint-Estèphe The most northern commune of the four communal appellations of the Haut-Médoc. This also may be the least flashy of the four. St.-Estèphe is considered the “bargain basement” of Bordeaux, producing a big quantity of undervalued red wines. Of course the Deuxième Grand Cru Classé Cos d’Estournel is the shining star of this appellation, lying on a perfect, well drained ridge of gravel. Most vineyards of this commune however are found on heavier soil, with less gravel and more clay, and tend to produce more rustic wines. -Only wines from the good terrains of St.-Estephe. -Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère -Production: maximum 45 hl. per ha.		The grape varieties The châteaux The gravel mounds that are so typical for the Médoc dominate the soil. These mounds afford excellent drainage of water and are loose and airy. Because of their infertility the gravel mounds encourage the vines to send their roots down deep in search of nutrients. These gravel mounds rest on (starfish) limestone (Calcaire à astéries) plateaux. St.-Estephe lies on a highly elevated gravel island that slopes steeply to the Chenal du Lazaret. St.-Estèphe has a maritime climate, caused by the Atlantic. The warm Gulf Stream and the Gironde act as a heat-regulator and moderate the climate. This gives the region mild winters, warm summers, and long, sunny autumns. The region is protected from sea winds by the coastal strip of pine forest which runs almost parallel to the region.The oceanic influence places the region in a very privileged position with few unwelcome extremes of temperature. Much to the concern of the vignerons however, harvest time and the rainy season arrive about the same time. If the rains come early all grapes will not be fully ripened. If the rains come during harvest, the grapes can lose concentration. The record keepers have observed that in any ten-year span there will be, from a climate point of view, three great years, three poor years, and four that are mediocre. Sometimes the normally mild region is rudely reminded of its northern latitude. In February 1956 a hard frost occurred with temperatures below -18 C (0F). There is also the lingering concern that the Saint de Glace may visit the budding vines in the first weeks of May. Like in 1991.