Château Les Justices
シャトー・レ・ジュスティス
The unoaked sister wine of legendary Château Gilette — pure, vibrant botrytized Sauternes from one of the appellation's most respected family estates.
Château Les Justices is an 8.5-hectare estate located in Preignac at the heart of the Sauternes appellation, and is the sister property of the legendary Château Gilette — itself famous for aging its wine for up to 20 years in concrete vats before release. Planted with 88% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Muscadelle, the vineyards straddle two plots with soils of deep gravel and silt over a bedrock subsoil. Founded under the Médeville family, the estate passed to Julie Médeville and her husband Xavier Gonet in 2004 (now trading as Gonet-Médeville), continuing a philosophy of minimal intervention and purity of fruit. The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel or concrete tanks for 18 months with no oak — a deliberately unoaked style that showcases fresh fruit, crisp acidity, and the honest character of the botrytized grapes. Consistently ranked among the finest non-classified Sauternes, Les Justices offers exceptional value and freshness seldom found in the appellation.
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for wine lovers who want the complexity of great Sauternes without heavy oak influence, and those seeking outstanding value in the appellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is Château Les Justices different from Château Gilette?
- Both estates are run by Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville and share the same commitment to quality, but their winemaking styles differ. Gilette is famously aged in concrete for up to 20 years before release, while Les Justices is bottled after 18 months for a fresher, fruitier expression that can be enjoyed earlier.
- Is Château Les Justices a classified Sauternes?
- No, it is not in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes, but it is consistently regarded by critics and négociants as one of the finest non-classified wines in the appellation, often outperforming official crus at its price point.
- What are the tasting notes for Château Les Justices?
- Expect a golden-hued wine with aromas of honey, apricot, peach, and exotic fruit, complemented by notes of angelica and citrus zest. The palate is lush and ample without heaviness, with vibrant acidity providing freshness and excellent length.
- Does the wine use oak barrels?
- No — Château Les Justices is aged exclusively in stainless steel or concrete vats for 18 months. This deliberate choice preserves the tonic freshness and pure fruit character of the botrytized grapes.
- What food pairings suit Château Les Justices best?
- The wine pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheeses such as Roquefort, and fruit-based desserts. Its freshness also makes it versatile with spicy Southeast Asian dishes and Thai cuisine.