Domaine des Sénéchaux

The estate was acquired by the Cazes family in 2006, marking their expansion beyond Bordeaux. Under the leadership of Jean-Charles Cazes, the family has modernized vineyard management and winemaking while preserving the estate’s heritage. The technical team, in collaboration with local experts, has refined the estate’s style, focusing on balance and terroir expression.

Domaine des Sénéchaux has roots tracing back to the 14th century, with vineyard records dating from the early days of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s viticultural history. It was named after the “Sénéchaux,” high-ranking officials of the Pope’s court in Avignon. Over the centuries, it changed hands multiple times before the Cazes family revitalized the property, investing in vineyard replanting and modern facilities.

The domaine is located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, benefiting from the appellation’s iconic galets roulés(large round pebbles) and diverse terroirs. The vineyards stretch across a mix of soils—sand, clay, and limestone—contributing to the complexity of the wines. The Mediterranean climate, with its dry summers and Mistral winds, aids in grape concentration and disease prevention.

The estate spans 27 hectares, with 24 hectares dedicated to red varieties and 3 hectares to white. The red plantings include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise, with old-vine Grenache forming the backbone of the wines. For whites, Roussanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc are cultivated. Sustainable vineyard practices are employed, minimizing intervention to preserve the natural expression of the terroir.

Winemaking combines tradition with modern refinements. The red wines undergo temperature-controlled fermentation, followed by aging in a mix of French oak barrels, demi-muids, and concrete vats to balance fruit purity with structure. The white wines are vinified in stainless steel and oak, emphasizing freshness and texture. Extraction is carefully managed to avoid excessive power, favoring elegance and balance.

Domaine des Sénéchaux produces a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, known for its depth, dark fruit, spice, and polished tannins, with aging potential of 10-20 years. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a rare and refined expression, offering floral and stone fruit aromas with a textured palate. Both wines reflect the estate’s commitment to terroir-driven expressions.

Domaine des Sénéchaux offers private tastings by appointment, allowing visitors to explore the wines and vineyard firsthand. The experience highlights the estate’s historic setting and the influence of its diverse soils on wine character. While the estate itself is not widely open to the public, visits can be arranged through the Cazes family’s hospitality network, often in conjunction with Château Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux.