Cyril Gouy

Cyril Gouy's family story begins in 1920 in Monbazillac, when his great-grandfather planted the first vines. Four generations of winegrowers worked the family estate in this sweet wine region of southwestern France. But Cyril decided to write a new chapter in 2016, establishing Clos des Confidences in Saint-Emilion. It was a bold move, leaving behind the family tradition to pursue red wine in one of Bordeaux's most prestigious appellations. He acquired 1.7 hectares of vines in Saint-Emilion, which he cultivates and vinifies entirely alone. The terroir is composed of clay, silt and sand, giving his wines structure and elegance.

Working solo on such a small estate means every decision matters. Cyril sought guidance from Hubert de Boüard's team of oenologists, one of Bordeaux's most respected consultants and owner of the legendary Château Angélus. This partnership brings technical precision to Cyril's hands-on approach. He uses traditional vinification in small capacity vats for five weeks, with gentle extraction by manual punching down three times a day. The wines are aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, allowing them to develop complexity while preserving the fruit. It's classic Bordeaux winemaking, done with care and attention to detail.

Since the first vintage, Cyril has produced two cuvées: Clos des Confidences in Saint-Emilion Grand Cru and Plume des Confidences in the Saint-Emilion appellation. The flagship Clos des Confidences is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the Right Bank style with ripe fruit and structured tannins. There's also Charme des Confidences, the more accessible Saint-Emilion rouge that still carries the estate's signature of balance and depth. These wines are built to age, with a complex and full-bodied structure that rewards patience.