The single-vineyard Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe Chateau Laforge, formerly known as Petit Mauvinon, was purchased in 1998 by Jonathan Maltus, owner of Chateau Teyssier.
The vines at Laforge are cropped low — around 30 hectolitres a hectare — four bunches to the vine (less than half the volume authorized by the Appellation), ensuring concentration. The soil is comprised of the three types that exist in Saint Emilion — sand, gravel, and clay over limestone. The vines that make up the gravel contribution are usually the first picked each year as the gravel retains heat throughout the night, allowing for earlier ripening.
Maltus produces eight Saint-Emilion wines, ranging from the estate wines Chateau Teyssier and Chateau Laforge, as well as limited-release single vineyard wines Le Dome, Le Carre, Les Asteries, and Vieux Chateau Mazerat. Maltus has also ventured into Napa Valley, with single-vineyard wines produced under the World's End label.