Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe estate Chateau l’Arrosee has been sold to Domaine Clarence Dillon, owners of Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion. This is the second Grand Cru Classe estate in Saint-Emilion bought by Domaine Clarence Dillon following their purchase of Chateau Tertre Daugay in 2011, which they renamed Chateau Quintus.

The Chateau l’Arrosee vineyard, which covers 9.5 hectares, borders the vineyard of Chateau Quintus (16 hectares) so it is easy to see the logic of this acquisition. It is planted with 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, an unusually high proprtion for a Saint-Emilion vineyard. The vineyard is well situated on the south facing slopes and “pieds de cotes” just above the Saint-Emilion co-operative, next to another Grand Cru Classe, Chateau Fonplegade. The estate has been owned by the Caille family since 2002. They made considerable improvements, notably the construction of brand new cellars, which were completed in 2004. The deal was signed at the end of May and will close in September, according to a report in Decanter.com.