The Barton family has purchased Bordeaux estate Chateau Mauvesin in the Moulis appellation.

Already proud owners of the St-Julien-based Langoa and Leoville estates, the family bought the property in August despite fierce competition from overseas bidders, according to the Drinks Business.

The family plan to take up permanent residence at the estate, and vineyard winemaker Gavin Quinney told the website that a 2011 vintage is on its way under the name Chateau Mauvesin-Barton.

Quinney also said the estate has failed to live up to its potential in recent years, but "there is, however, more than enough character and sense of place to suggest that there's a rosier future ahead".

Harvesting of the Merlot has already been completed at the estate and the Cabernet Sauvignon is due to be picked this week.

The Barton family first landed in Bordeaux when Irishman Thomas Barton settled there in 1722, and his descendants have retained close ties with their Irish heritage.