Tag Archives: Bordeaux

Top Value Medocs: February 2020

Arriving February 21st, several attractively priced Bordeaux reds from vintages with stories to tell.

2016 is considered by many to be the finest vintage of the last decade. It was a year that had a bit of everything, rain in the spring, drought in the summer, but through it all the grapes on Bordeaux’s left bank underwent the perfect amount of stress to yield exceptionally ripe yet fresh fruit.

2008 witnessed rain during much of the growing season, but was fortunately saved by a dry autumn. This led to inconsistent quality, but many great wines for those who knew where to look, Chateau Larose Perganson’s 2008 Haut-Médoc amongst them.

Chateau Larose Perganson

An estate with a history dating back 300 years, today Chateau Larose Perganson produces modern styled Bordeaux with intense fruit, subtle oak (over 30% new barrels), and smooth tannins.

… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Chateau Haut Brion 1989 11-1-16

Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1989 750ML ($1699.95) Buy Now: $1299 special

A wine of firsts. Haut Brion was Bordeaux’s original grand vin: the first Bordeaux to be grown, branded, and marketed as a single-estate, château wine; the first to receive written mention as such, in Samuel Pepys’ famous 1663 diary; and the first on the 1855 classification list. Even oenophile/diplomat Thomas Jefferson visited Haut Brion in 1787, to sample and purchase one of his favorite wines. Quality has always remained the passion at this 111-acre estate in Pessac. Arnaud de Pontac, Haut Brion’s 17th-century savior, and president of Bordeaux’s parliament, could afford low yields, new oak, and elimination of moldy grapes and inferior wines. The rest of the Médoc gradually followed suit, creating the classed growths we know today, with wine estates around the world eventually embracing the same pursuit of absolute quality.… Read the rest

Rare & Classic – Bordeaux: Clos Fourtet 2012 – August 2016

Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($149.95) Buy Now: $119

If you’ve driven to the town of St. Emilion you’ve probably seen Château Clos Fourtet, its rose bush-ended vineyard rows, and the classic château itself. Built in 1790, the stone manor sits atop one of Bordeaux’s best limestone-hewn cellars. And ever since Philippe Cuvelier purchased Clos Fourtet in 2001, the wines laid down in that cellar have only been better: the 2009 Clos Fourtet garnered 100 points from Robert Parker. Few vintages deliver like 2009, but 2012 was kindest to Merlot, which constitutes 86% of this Premier Grand Cru Classé (the rest being 10% Cab Sauvignon, 4% Cab Franc): a decidedly Right Bank year. Praised by critics from the USA, France, and the UK, the 2012 Clos Fourtet is drinking well now, but has a long life ahead still.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Chateau Devise d’Ardilley Haut-Medoc 2010 – 6-29-16

Chateau Devise d’Ardilley, Haut-Medoc 2010 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc doesn’t play the futures game like down in Pauillac or Margaux, but the 2010 Devise d’Ardilley does give you options: drink now, or cellar for a few more years. The 2010 Left Bank vintage impressed the critics with its ripe, healthy fruit, evolved tannins, and crisp acidity. Today, the 2010 Devise d’Ardilley sits between youth and maturity. While still on the fruit, the wine’s edges have softened. Plenty of tannic grip remains, but the developing bouquet of blueberries, currants, and earthy spice evolves nicely en carafe. Why not drink now while the markets are on edge? – Daniel

Wine Enthusiast–Editors’ Choice 91 points: “From a small estate, this big, ripe and fruity wine has swathes of black fruits to go with the dark, brooding tannins.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Chateau Auney L’Hermitage ‘L’Hermitage Blanc’ 2013 6-8-16

Chateau Auney L’Hermitage ‘L’Hermitage Blanc’, Graves 2013 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Is white Bordeaux having a moment? If not, it should be! The 2013 from Chateau Auney is nothing short of divine. Melon, minerals, and honey make for a near-perfect wine; aromas of vanilla and exotic fruits invite the drinker into a balanced and complex mêlée of soft and assertive elements. It’s a practice of opposites, of harmony, and of elegance. – Tyler… Read the rest