France · Bordeaux

Chateau Le Bon Pasteur

Chateau Le Bon Pasteur is a 7-hectare Pomerol estate whose modern reputation was built almost entirely by Michel Rolland, the globally influential Pomerol-born oenologist who owned and managed the property from 1978 until selling it in 2013 to Bernard Magrez. Rolland used Le Bon Pasteur as a proving ground for his winemaking philosophy: late harvesting for full physiological ripeness, micro-oxygenation and micro-vinification techniques, and aging in 100% new French oak — an approach he subsequently exported to consulting clients on six continents. The vineyard is planted to approximately 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc on clay and sand over iron-rich subsoil, producing a rich, hedonistic Pomerol that at its best — particularly the 1982, the most traded vintage at auction — rivals estates three to four times its price. At auction, 302 lots of the single Pomerol bottling trade at an average of $85 per bottle, with peaks reaching $302. The relatively tight price ceiling reflects modest production volumes and the estate's Pomerol appellation prestige but lack of Moueix or Premier Grand Cru cachet. The 1982 is the reference vintage; well-preserved examples in original cases command significant premiums. Post-Rolland vintages under Magrez ownership have maintained quality but have somewhat recalibrated the style toward slightly more restraint.