Mouton & Opus Magic Only $40 
Legendary Winemaker’s Personal Estate

The combination of two massive legacies brings us one of the greatest buys in moderately aged, drink now Bordeaux.

With a dash of Mouton magic, Opus One charm, and the iconic force of the legendary Lichine family, Chateau Les Trois Croix is exploding onto the world stage.

Visiting and tasting with Patrick Leon was always a great pleasure. A true modern-day Bordeaux gentleman, Leon became one of the most influential winemakers over his 50 year career. For 20 years, Leon was the hands-on force at Chateau Mouton-Rothschild from 1984 to 2004. During his tenure he not only made some of Mouton’s finest wines but was also instrumental in the development of Opus One, Almaviva, and Clerc-Milon. 

 "He had an insatiable appetite for adventure and exploration in the world of wine," Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci told Wine Spectator. "His curiosity and passion allowed him to make great wines in all colors, from a wide range of grape varieties and in many countries." 
- Suzanne Mustacich, Wine Spectator reporting on the passing of Patrick Leon 12/18

In 1995, the Bordeaux native purchased Chateau Les Trois Croix in Fronsac as his personal home and wine project. For decades Leon and his family worked to restore the property that dated back to 1712. He singled out a parcel of the vineyard planted in the 1940s to preserve and maintain the vine health for the backbone of the wine as he replanted the necessary sections. Joined by his son, Bertrand, the Leons have dramatically improved the quality of Les Trois Croix and the Fronsac appellation. 

After his retirement from Mouton-Rothschild, Leon began consulting for Sacha Lichine, the son of Alexis Lichine whom Leon made the wines at Chateau Lascombes in Margaux for, from 1972 until the 1980s. Alexis Lichine is one of the wine world’s most prolific and recognized members, who not only wrote extensively on wine but was also a vigorous importer, exporter and owner of two of Margaux’s famed estates: Prieure-Lichine and Lascombes.

It is no surprise that Sacha Lichine is just as much a driving and pioneering force in wine as his father. So when Sacha Lichine decided to create a world class estate in Provence dedicated to the production of the finest single vineyard Roses, Lichine of course brought in one of his family’s most trusted advisors and friend, Patrick Leon, renewing the Leon-Lichine bond once again.

Today, that bond continues with Bertrand and Sacha, as Bertrand continues the work that his father has done for the past several decades. With the continued support of one another, Sacha Lichine has stepped in to assist Bertrand with the marketing and export of Les Trois Croix, bringing that Lichine knowledge, spark and flare. The combination of these two massive legacies with the timing of some of the finest wines ever made at Les Trois Croix make this one of the most exciting and smart buys of Bordeaux.

We are ecstatic to be able to offer the 2016 Les Trois Croix that just arrived direct from the property. This moderately priced and moderately aged Fronsac is just opening to a prime period of drinking that will be rewarding for the next 10 to 15 years easily. This is truly a fun and exciting wine to enjoy on a daily basis for any Bordeaux and Cabernet lover. 

Cheers,
Jeremy