The name “Taillefer” is closely linked to the distinctive soils of the area: so rich in iron oxide that it was once said the plough would “cut through iron” (“taille le fer”) when working the land—hence the name.
Château Taillefer is one of the historically significant wine estates of the Pomerol appellation on the right bank of the Gironde and has been documented since at least the 18th century. It already appears on early French maps, including one drawn by Pierre de Belleyme in 1776. The name “Taillefer” is closely linked to the distinctive soils of the area: so rich in iron oxide that it was once said the plough would “cut through iron” (“taille le fer”) when working the land—hence the name.
In 1923, the estate was purchased by Antoine Moueix, at that time an already successful wine merchant from Corrèze. This acquisition marked the beginning of the long-standing family tradition of the Moueix dynasty in Pomerol. The estate was passed down through successive generations—from Antoine to Jean-Marie, Marcel and Bernard Moueix—up to the present day. Château Taillefer was among the first major Pomerol properties acquired by the family and laid the foundation for their lasting involvement in the region.
The estate encompasses approximately 12 hectares of vineyards located on the renowned Pomerol plateau. The soils are composed of a mixture of silica, gravel and blue clay with a high iron oxide content, giving the grapes a distinctive nutritional profile and aromatic complexity. Merlot traditionally dominates the vineyard, accounting for around 85%, complemented by Cabernet Franc at about 10–15%. Through selective vineyard management and extensive hands-on work in both vineyard and cellar, the aim is to fully express the character of the terroir.
Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, wine quality has improved markedly. More meticulous vineyard practices, modernized vinification techniques and careful barrel ageing have brought Château Taillefer increasing international recognition and consistently high ratings, often exceeding 90 points in leading wine guides for recent vintages.
Today, the estate is run by Claire and her husband Cyril Basteau, members of the fifth generation of the family, who seek to combine tradition with innovation. Preserving the estate’s unique terroir is as important to them as the ongoing enhancement of wine quality. They rely on traditional methods, complemented by close observation of the vineyards and modern techniques in the cellar.
Château Taillefer today represents a classic Pomerol style marked by elegance, depth and a clear expression of its soils. It is valued by connoisseurs for its balanced structure and strong ageing potential. Visitors also have the opportunity to tour the château and enjoy tastings, illustrating how the estate keeps its tradition alive while welcoming wine lovers from around the world.
