La Maison d'Estournel

We found Heaven in Saint-Estephe. La Maison d’Estournel is a charming, small, 14-room, hotel that met and exceeded all our needs and desires. We booked well in advance and got the Estournel Room (room 20), a lovely junior suite overlooking the gardens to the Gironde Estuary. With a large comfortable bed and two sitting chairs as well as a desk there was plenty of room to spread out. The room had a tub in the middle of it, with a separate shower and separate toilet area. Parking is easy, check-in fast, and there’s an elevator to get the luggage upstairs (we were on the top—second—floor) Service here is outstanding, and makes the hotel so endearing. The concierge was wonderful in advance, helping me arrange flowers for my wife for our wedding anniversary. All the staff were helpful and charming, at mealtime and in between. At meals they work as a team to tend to your needs and wishes. The breakfast buffet was unchanged from day to day but you can order eggs prepared however you prefer. Coffee, whether simple black coffee, cafe au lait or cappuccino, is made to order. Our server each morning couldn’t have been more charming , and remembered our coffee orders after the first day. One day, after taking a hike, we came back looking for a simple lunch. The staff brought out a carrot soup with bread that was perfect. You can have tea or a drink in the cozy library or eat a full meal in the dining room. If the weather is fair you can have drinks or a meal in the garden. We enjoyed a bottle of their second label white in the garden on the evening of our arrival. Dinner was sublime. We ate here on two of our three nights and had exquisitely prepared and presented meals. The menu changes regularly and is on a blackboard in both French and English. For our second dinner there, when the hotel was about half full, we had drinks in the library and they brought the menu to us there, and invited us to the table only when everything was ready. A classic country house hotel approach. You will find Heaven in Saint-Estephe at La Maison d’Estournel. Just as in spiritual life, attaining Heaven comes at a cost, Heaven in a hotel has a cost, too. But however you get to Heaven, it’s definitely worth it.

Room was not comfortable and no way to relax. The staff was terrific, but the rest of the stay was a disappoin**ent. For the price it did not compare to many other places we have stayed. A trip we had looked forward to was not what we had hoped.

A beautiful property that has been lovingly restored. The staff was incredible, attentive and accommodating. Food was very good, it would have been nice if the menu changed a bit more. After 2 lunches and 2 dinners at the property we had tried everything. While the rooms were beautiful they were very small without a closet. As big fans of the winery, we would definitely come back and perhaps ask about a better room.

The property is amazing. Paulliac is no st emillion in terms of restaurants and things to do , however this chateau is beautiful and the food and service is top level.

Estournel is a great experience, you feel at home. The service and the staff is nice and helpful. The Chateau is newly renovated and a joy to walk around and stay in. The terrace for breakfast and dining is peaceful, and overlooking the vine yeards. Estournel has recently installed a pool, also adding to a great stay. Charging for EV's would be a wellcome addition.

The web site of Maison d’Estournel is proposing and “Epicurean Terroir by Nature” and “the Chef of the hotel’s restaurant pays tribute to the treasures of this generous terroir with local seasonal cuisine”. When I asked who the Chef was, I was told that Michel Reybier and some Chef in Paris (?) designed the menu. When I asked who the Sous Chef was, I was told that the vegetables came from the Garden, on the left side of the patio of this beautiful property (avoid the left side as there is some engine noise spoiling the quietness and it is the only background sound/music. We asked for a Glass of Champagne for “aperitif”. Michel Reybier’s champagne was mentioned but we were not offered to see the label/bottle. “Aperitif” came with some basic vegetables, maybe those available for breakfast but nothing exceptional. There were no warm hors d’oeuvre or anything showing the possible creative abilities of the kitchen. My Foie Gras was poached maybe too much and I could not really define what I was eating. The decoration of candied pears and hay cream had been hastily assembled, not really fresh from the day. No warm brioche, just a slice of plain slightly crunchy bread. My roasted monkfish also came with a plain not to say boring presentation: mousseline and no vegetables at all. The portion was not very generous so I had to complete my meal with some rolls – only one kind of bread, no choice offered and probably those from the breakfast buffet. There is a Chef Pâtissier so I inquire if she/he could prepare a Soufflé au Chocolat or Crêpe Suzette. Although the place was far from busy, “It was not possible “. I tried the “chocolate desert” à la carte. I don’t remember the marketing name it had. When inquiring about the possible use of Valrhona or Callebaut, I was told that the chocolate comes from Madascar. Presentation was again hastily assembled without much elaboration. You would expect “cooked desert” in such a place. Having read the wine list, I confirm what I read in other reviews: it is a quite large catalogue reflecting an extensive stock and the use of Excel sheet multiplication formula. The great idea is to have the name of the owner in the description, especially for those years which are very questionnable. There is no Sommelier which could at least justify those outrageous prices or could have proposed a Sauterne with the Foie Gras. The only pairing offered was for desert: a desert wine from Tokaj ( yes, Michel Reybier owns a winery in Hungary as well and this is why this not very local beverage is on the wine list). Looking at the price, I am not sure I want to participate in his inves**ent while I am sitting in a French depar**ent with enough good wines. Uncomfortable patio chairs, absence table cloth, cheap table sets and miss-matched water glasses bestow a lack of unity, emotion and soul to the Maison. The young team in place is coming from Paris and Ramatuelle (where Michel Reybier’s group manages other properties) with

Every aspect of our experience at this hotel was exceptional. The chateau is breathtaking. The employees attentive during every moment. We enjoyed breakfast inside the library and took dinner in the patio. The dining staff is top notch and the food excellent. The room is beautiful: comfortable bed, air conditioning, good bath products. We used the electric bikes provided to ride around the vineyards and nearby small town. Highly recommend to all looking!

A very professional welcome and services. A hotel with attention to detail. A very good restoration. Even more pleasant when it can be enjoyed with a good drink on the terrace which offers a relaxing setting. Thank you again for all your attention and those also intended for Jack ;-) Address to recommend and not to miss. Very good continuation to the Maison d'Estournel and to all its staff!

The best hotel I have seen in the Medoc, and probably Bordeaux. Everything went smooth and easy . Very good professional service, with good a**osphere with cosy decoration. Good restaurant level in beautiful surroundings in front of the parc