by Fred McMillin
for March 9, 1999

From Monks to Meyney

Prologue

During a visit to Bordeaux, I was given this print of a harvest that seems to have occured somewhat earlier.

The Feuillant monks went back to the basics, sleeping on the bare ground and drinking out of skulls. Over four centuries ago they founded a winery and operated it for several centuries. Today it is known as Chateau Meyney. (may-nay)

...from WineDay, Nov. 5, 1998

Meyney is one of the few old ecclesiastical buildings in Bordeaux's Medoc. The Chateau produces stunningly rich wines that are grossly underpriced.

...Robert M. Parker, Jr., Bordeaux, 3rd Edition, 1998

The Rest of the Story

My panel pretty much agreed with the above, giving the big red claret a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Here are the details.

1995 Chateau Meyney
Cru Bourgeois, St.-Estephe, Bordeaux
Tasting Notes—Robert Parker says the dense, black-cherry 1995 will age well...[if you can stand the wait]!
Importer—Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines
Contact—Angela Freire, (707) 255-7667
Price—$31 range

Postscript

Today is March 9th. On that date in 1796, Marie Rose Josephe Tasker de la Pagerie (Josephine) and Napoleon Boneparte were wed. What has Napoleon got to do with today's wine? During the French Revolution he put the majority of church-owned wine producers into private ownership. One of properties that changed hands? The Feuillant monks of Toulouse lost control; Chateau Meyney was declared National Property.

Credits: Enjalbert's History of Wine & The Vine; D. Seward's Monks & Wine

About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

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