This new residence was designed for a wine maker, respected for Bordeaux varietals. The program described a 10,000 square foot Chateau with a large residence for the winemaker and a smaller guest unit for his aging parents. The Bordeaux region boasts some of the world’s most beautiful Chateaux that have contributed a wealth of design elements to architectural pallets, from which Architecture, J. A., Inc has drawn inspiration for the massing and detailing of this house. The site is sited on a low plinth at the toe of a hill, overlooking a 50 acre vineyard. The plinth is defined by stone retaining walls and concrete balustrades. Patios and narrow wings orient to the views of the south and west and surround a large internal courtyard. The narrow wings allow natural daylight and cross ventilation into the rooms while adding clarity to the circulation element. The courtyard is completed by a wing excavated into the hillside on the north and a large auto garage to the east. A stone archway allows vehicular access into the courtyard for the staging of various functions important to the owner. The chateau is true to the Bordeaux style, but regardless is able be a green building, integrating elements of sustainable design throughout.