ERIC BOISSENOT
‘The philosophy is always to make a wine that evokes the highest possible emotion’
Eric Boissenot
He is arguably one of the most influential figures in Bordeaux, particularly the Médoc, but apart from industry insiders, few people know of him. He’s reserved rather than outspoken, sensitive rather than thick-skinned, nonchalant in his dress and manner, doesn’t own a great château – though he frequents many – avoids publicity and doesn’t have a chauffeur-driven car. So, who is Eric Boissenot?
The straight-up answer: he’s a consultant oenologist. It’s the ‘to whom’ that raises eyebrows, for among his 150-odd clients, 40 are 1855 classed growths, including first-growth châteaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Mouton Rothschild, plus super-seconds such as Léoville Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou.
On the books, as well, are a host of ‘lesser’ Médoc châteaux that he values just as highly, and a small percentage of overseas clients – Concha y Toro being one example. But it’s
