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Now Viewing: Chateau Doisy Vedrines
A couple of years ago I was invited for dinner at this idyllic Barsac property on a serene July evening when the heat of the day was dissipating into the cool evening air. At sunset, Sauternes attains an incandescent quality as the suns rays bathe the undulating hills and quaint hamlets in a golden glow that permeates the vines. I have known Olivier Castèja who managed the property for a few years but on that particular sultry evening, his late-father Pierre Castèja insisted on showing us around his beloved chateau. Now, Doisy-Vèdrines is not exactly a large property: its 25 hectares of vineyard only produces 1,500 cases per year but the tour lasted almost two hours, with Pierre explaining every nook and cranny with the zeal found only in those whose castle is his home. The following year he passed away, to be succeeded by his son Olivier in 2001; but I will always remember that day when the frail but lively man, in his twilight years, showed passion and devotion that left a deep impression. There are three Doisy's in Barsac: Védrines, Daëne and Dubroca. The name originates from who married Marie Raymond in 1704 and was bequeathed land from his wife. It remained in the hands of the Védrines family, one of whom etched her initials within a heart in a plane of glass at the chateau which can be seen to this day.
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