My personal problem with Bordeaux....

For too long, Bordeaux felt to me, far too… predictable. The once-exciting promise of this storied region faded into a landscape of safe blends and risk-averse winemaking (on the whole). Where there should have been vitality, I found a sameness. Large estates, large volumes, wines that ticked every box but didn’t surprise or thrill. In short, I got bored.

But then I discovered Château Picoron on the Right Bank, and something shifted. Suddenly Bordeaux felt alive again.

Château Picoron sits on a compact 4.5 ha parcel along the famous clay-and-limestone ridge of Saint‑Émilion. Instead of chasing scale or conformity, the team embraces the single-plot approach: each wine comes from a distinct parcel of Merlot, unblended, and an honest expression of place.

Their philosophy leans into constraints—vineyard size, varietal (100% Merlot), the terroir and the changing climate as sources of creativity.
“In the end, the rules that constrict us set us free,” they say.

What I found thrilling is that this isn’t vintage after vintage of the same style. Château Picoron delivers personality and a spark. Vibrant fruit, clean, terroir-driven structure, wine that feels alive. With each sip I caught myself falling back in love with Bordeaux and with Right Bank Merlot.

Why it works at Picoron:
Single-plot, single-varietal: By focusing on Merlot grown in small parcels, there’s clarity and purpose to their work, rather than a generic “Bordeaux blend” feel.

Terroir first: The soils of Saint-Émilion's ridge are clay and limestone. Chateau Picoron allow them to speak through the wines.
Energy and intention: This is not mass-produced. The winemaking feels thoughtful, even rebellious in a region that can feel stuck. Lets face it, the owners are a couple of Aussies and their family, retired to Bordeaux to have a bit of fun. What could go wrong!!

I came to Bordeaux expecting tradition, reputation, and yes, history. But I left craving more character, more risk, more honesty. Château Picoron delivered. It reminded me why I loved Merlot on the Right Bank in the first place. If Bordeaux needs a jolt of energy, of relevance for this moment, this is it.

So yes, I was bored by Bordeaux. But now I’m excited again. More of the same please. Bring it on. Thank you Glenda and Frank