The hilly countryside around Marmande is home to this forty-acre estate in Cocu?mont. It encompasses three different types of soil: clay-limestone in the Clos Baquey, clay-gravel in Chante Coucou, and clay-silt mixed with iron slag (known locally as crasses de fer) in the Vignoble d'Elian. The vines are biodynamically grown, using principles learned by owner Elian Da Ros in his years as right-hand man at the Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. Vin?iflcation follows suit, with the occasional nasty surprise that comes from avoiding sulfur dioxide. Generally speaking, how-ever, the wines show character and clout and measure up to their appellation.