Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Maritime Bordeaux in the west of France is a large producer of quality wines. Although saying that there's a large gap between the top few who produce ultra-premium wines with hefty price tags (Lafite, Margaux, Y'Quem, Petrus….) and the rest of the field.
The Left Bank with its gravelly composition of soils is more suited to Cabernet Sauvignon while the Right Bank is made up more of clay and this is where Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate (as they are earlier ripens and don't mind getting their feet wet). In the middle, the Entre Du Meurs provides a slew of whites and reds made for early drinking.
On the right bank outside of St Emilion and Pomerol, there are a lot of well-priced merlots made that are more for early consumption. These come from the satellite Bordeaux regions.
The English built up a thirst for the better Bordeaux reds which they have coined 'clarets'. These are often tucked away for a while in their cellars to age and drunk with a few years under their belts. But not all Bordeaux is built for aging, so choose wisely.
Styles
For whites, there are the crisp and easily quaffed whites from Entre De Meurs, or the more ambitious oak-aged Semillion Sauvignon blends from Pessac Legonan. The queen of dessert wines, Sauternes can also call Bordeaux home. French oak maturation is a common thread amongst the elite reds, whites and sweet wines.
Grapes
White:Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Some of the most highly rated recent vintages are 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016 and 2018.
Favourite Producers
Montrose, Pichon Lalande, Poitevin, D'Yquem, Coutet,
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La Tour Travers Bordeaux Blanc 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2016Sem/Sauv BlendFrance356$24.00 As low as $21.60 -
Chai Saint Etienne Tradition Rouge 201660% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 20% Côt
The Coteaux du Quercy AOC is one of France smallest wine region with only 400 hectares and less than 20 growers. It lies between Cahors & Gaillac. After the Phylloxera, the Quercy, once 50 000 hectares was almost destroyed. Roger Gisbert and his brave mates started their appellation from scratch. With high draining slopes of white clay and limestone soils, Cabernet Franc was chosen to blend with the Merlot, and off course the Cot (aka. Malbec) replanted on the rocky soils. The grapes are harvested and sorted, then fallow slow and gentle traditional fermentation.2016Cabernet Franc, MerlotFrance356$34.00 As low as $30.60 -
Poitevin 2016The 2016 Poitevin has a crisp, focused bouquet with pure blackberry and boysenberry notes tinged with crushed stone. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite feminine in style with a silky smooth, black cherry and blueberry finish that caresses the senses. This is a well-crafted, utterly delicious Médoc. NEAL MARTIN2016Cabernet BlendsFrance356$41.00 As low as $36.90
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Bernadotte 2016This has aromas of boysenberries and dark berries with a wealth of bracken and gently tarry aromas, too. The palate has a fresh, fleshy and quite concentrated feel with fine tannins that hold the finish long. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Try from 2023. JAMES SUCKLIKNG2016Cabernet BlendsFrance356$42.00 As low as $37.80
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Chateau Tire Pe Tire Vin Vite 2019
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2019Cabernet BlendsFrance356$45.00 As low as $40.50 -
Chateau Ferran 2015Vivid and bright fruits, such as plums and strawberries, on the nose. Full-bodied, very dense and complete on the palate. Has a beautiful ripe tannin structure and a flavorful finish. Impressive wine. Drink in 2022. JAMES SUCKLING2005Cabernet BlendsFrance356$54.00 As low as $48.60
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Le Boscq 2019
Saint Estèphe
Cru Bourgeois
Purchase En Primeur. Arrival due September 2022.
The 2019 Le Boscq is fabulous. A rush of wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, incense and scorched earth races across the palate. This deep, flavorful Saint-Estèphe is wonderfully expressive today. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. Le Boscq is a great choice for readers who want to explore the appellation without splurging on some of the bigger names. Antonio Galloni 93
2019Cabernet BlendsFrance356$60.00 As low as $54.00 -
Chateau Dutruch Grand Poujeaux 2014
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2009Cabernet BlendsFrance356$61.00 As low as $54.90 -
Chateau Teyssier 2018Currant, dried-flower, citrus-zest and sandalwood aromas, with hints of sliced mushrooms. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and fresh acidity. Fragrant, pretty and precise. Really fine. JAMES SUCKLING2014Cabernet BlendsFrance356$70.00 As low as $63.00
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Chateau La Reserve de Malartic 2015
Striking violets and blueberries here. Some leafy notes, too. The palate adds some light, creamy oak, tastes of summer-berry pudding and supple tannins to close. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING
2015Cabernet BlendsFrance356$73.00 As low as $65.70 -
Chateau Montravel Blanc (Semillon) 2016This is a 100% Sémillon form a 1 hectare vineyard located in Montravel, a sub-region of Bergerac.
The grapes are hand harvested in small lug boxes, bunches are selected one by one. Pressed in an air tight press, the must is then barrel fermented and the wine aged on fine lees with regular batonnage. Aged for eleven months in 1/3 new, 1/3 one year old and 1/3 in two years old oak barrels.
I love this wine - Semillion grown on chalk with a minerally intense core. It is opulent and dense yet has great freshness. A slight touch of stuck match reduction adds complexity to a lifted bright nose of citrus and minerally notes. Great power and mouth coating flavour and yet finishes crisp and clean. ALEX WILCOX
2016SemillonFrance356$73.00 As low as $65.70 -
Marquis de Calon 2018
36 bottles available at time of offer
A pair of Marquis' in one tranche can't be a bad thing, especially when you're the second wine of Calon Segur. Built with richness combined with approachability and this year uses a greater proportion of Merlot to drive volume. -Tom Portet
Lisa Perotti-Brown 92-94
Big, rich, full-bodied and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has bags of black fruit preserves and exotic spices with a firm, plush frame, finishing long with a minty lift. Definitely one for the hedonists!Andrew Caillard, MW 94
Medium deep crimson. Ripe plum carob, hint raisin aromas. Very attractive palate with generous red plum, raspberry, cassis fruits, some panforte notes, smooth velvety tannins. Larger framed than Capbern with density and volume. Very good.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$77.00 As low as $69.30 -
La Fleur de Bouard 2010 375ml
The 2010 La Fleur du Bouard (80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is bottled unfined and unfiltered and hit 14.5% natural alcohol. The wine offers up notes of black raspberry and blueberry pie intermixed with incense, lead pencil shavings and plenty of underlying floral notes. Some background oak is also present. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, voluptuously textured, rich, long and hedonistic and satisfying. Drink it over the next 10+ years. The other cuvee, a limited production wine, can be absolutely magnificent with some bottle age, as the 2000 is certainly proving to be.
The standard of excellence for Lalande de Pomerol is Hubert de Bouard’s 50-acre property, over half of it located on the highly prized Neac plateau, which consists of clay, sand and gravel sub-soils. ROBERT PARKER, 2013
2010Cabernet MerlotFrance356$82.00 As low as $73.80 -
Laroque St Emillion 2018
Plenty available at time of offer
The largest estate of Saint-Emilion with over 140 acres, half producing, is under the stewardship of the highly focused David Suire, formally of Thienpont superstars Pavie-Macquin and Larcis Ducasse. It’s a very consistent, Merlot dominated, value option and a very well-priced opportunity. -Tom PortetAntionio Glloni 94
The 2018 Laroque is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Silky, polished and refined, the 2018 marks a major step forward for the château. Lavender, spice, blueberry, cedar and mint all grace a Saint-Émilion built more on finesse than power. The long, persistent finish, with its saline accents, adds to the wine's pedigree. The 2018 is beautifully done. The blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Technical Director David Suire gave the 2018 lots 26-29 days on the skins fermented in cement, with manual pump-overs and punch-downs. New oak is 55%.
Lisa Perotti Brown 95-97
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.James Suckling 93-94
This is really delicious with so much dark-berry and stone character. Full to medium body and super, integrated tannins. Bright and generous. One of the best from here. We will see if it is better than 2016 and 2015.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$82.00 As low as $73.80 -
Chateau Picque Caillou 2018
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2018Cabernet SauvignonFrance356$83.00 As low as $74.70 -
Vray Croix de Gay 2013 375ml
This tiny estate’s (less than 12 acres) sensational terroir has never been fully exploited, but that will change now that the owner of Chateau Latour, Francois Pinault, has purchased an approximately 50% interest in Vray Croix de Gay. Made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the dark ruby-hued 2013 exhibits notes of black cherries, loamy soil and underbrush. Consume this medium-bodied effort during its first 4-5 years of life. ROBERT PARKER, 2014
2012Cabernet BlendsFrance356$85.00 As low as $76.50 -
Le Petit Ducru 2018
24 bottles available at time of offer
Sitting on the western side of St Julien sitting alongside the great classified growths of the appellation. It is owned by the Borie family of Ch Ducru Beaucaillou, another top performer the bears . -Tom Portet
Andrew Caillard MW 94
Deep colour. Lovely fresh mulberry cassis fruits with inky cedar complexity. Intensely concentrated and juicy with fresh dark berry fruits, some brambly notes, fine slightly gritty tannins and underlying cedar notes. Very good at this level.Antonio Galloni 90-92
The 2018 Lalande-Borie is pliant, supple and wonderfully inviting. Bright floral notes perk up the red/purplish berry fruit in a silky, succulent Saint-Julien that will drink well right out of the gate. In the glass, the 2018 is heady and alluring, and yet it retains its classic mid-weight personality and structure. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$85.00 As low as $76.50 -
Plince 2018
Plenty available.
A pleasant blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc from the famous house of Moueix. Enough said. -Tom Portet
Andrew Caillard, MW 94
Medium crimson. Fresh mulberry raspberry cassis aromas and flavours, fine loose-knit graphite tannins, lovely minerally textures and supple mid palate. Finishes chalky firm it long and inky. Really surprisingly very good. Elegantly styled but energy buoyancy and persistency.James Suckling 92-93
This is so delicious already with wonderful, tight and polished tannins, medium body and a long, flavorful finish. Always excellent quality for the money.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$96.00 As low as $86.40 -
Belgrave 2009
Haut-Médoc
5ème Cru ClasséPurchase En Primeur. Arrival due September 2022.
The 2009 Belgrave has a ripe red cherry, kirsch scented bouquet with hints of raisin and fig. It is just flirting with over-ripeness...but not over-ripe! The palate is medium-bodied with candied red fruit, a little chewy in texture and perhaps needing more mineralité on the finish. Yet, there is fine density and decent precision on the finish. Maybe give this another couple of years in bottle. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. Neal Martin 90
2009Cabernet BlendsFrance356$110.00 As low as $99.00 -
Langoa Barton 2006 375mlThe 2006 Château Langoa Barton has a lifted nose of small dark cherries, blackberry, incense and marmalade - quite showy for Langoa Barton - but there is joie-de-vivre here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, ripe and demonstrating impressive density plus a firm grip. This really coats the mouth in tannin, although it is still balanced. It just needs another 4-5 years in bottle. NEAL MARTIN2003Cabernet BlendsFrance356$117.00 As low as $105.30
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Chateau La Louviere Blanc 2015100% Sauvignon Blanc - Limited only 4bt available
This lovely 2015, containing a majority of Sauvignon Blanc, has a pale golden colour, enlivened by crystalline highlights, and a bouquet dominated by complex aromas from oak ageing (sweet spices, almond, and vanilla) on a background of yellow fruit. It is just as charming on the palate, with the same elegant oak notes and yellow fruit flavours. 2018 - 2023 Le Guide Hachette2015Sem/Sauv BlendFrance356$120.00 As low as $108.00 -
Lafon Rochet 2018
EP Order minimum 6 bottles
Owner Basile Tesseron's 2018 reflects the deep density of fruit the estate is known for, and maximising the benefits of a brand-new winery. Lafon-Rochet is well worth it's fourth growth status and from the sub-region of the vintage. - Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 92-95
A wine of lovely finesse the 2018 Lafon-Rochet offers a striking combination of fruit density and nuance, all in an understated style that is quite appealing. Dark cherry, sweet tobacco, menthol, dried flowers and mint all run through this silky, supple Saint-Estèphe. As always, Lafon-Rochet is one of the more laid back, elegant wines of the appellation. Even so, the 2018 has lovely mid-palate sweetness and silky tannins, both of which add to its considerable appeal. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Yields were a healthy 50 hectoliters per hectare, higher than the average, which is closer to 42-45. Tasted three times.James Suckling 93-94
A firm and silky red with blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium to full body. Beautiful, fresh finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$125.00 As low as $112.50 -
La Parde de Haut Bailly 2015Very minerally and salty with lots of dried fruit, currant and floral aromas and flavors. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Excellent second wine. JAMES SUCKLING2015Cabernet BlendsFrance356$130.00 As low as $117.00
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Lagrange 201820 Bottles available at time of offer
The 2018 Lagrange is charming and gracious. Sweet, lifted aromatics and mid-weight structure give the 2018 tons of immediacy. Bright red berries, blood orange, mint, spice, rose petal and cedar build with time in the glass. Polished, silky tannins grace the beautifully persistent finish. Best of all, the 2018 will be ready to go with only minimal cellaring. 94 ANTONIO GALLONI
2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$140.00 As low as $126.00 -
Reserve de la Comtesse 2018The 2018 Réserve de la Comtesse is matured in 40% new oak, 30% one year old and 30% two years old. It has a relatively opulent bouquet, although not overdone, armed with copious blackberries, iodine and violet scents that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin and pure black fruit laced with graphite and white pepper, leading to quite a dense but focused finish. This is a powerful Réserve de la Comtesse that will require three to five years in bottle. 90-92 NEIL MARTIN2018Cabernet MerlotFrance356$150.00 As low as $135.00
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Barde Haut 2018
4 bottles avalible at time of offer
James Suckling 95-96
Gorgeous purity of fruit in this wine with depth and beauty. Full-bodied. It really grows on the palate with a hyper fine tannin texture.Antonio Galloni 94
The 2018 Barde-Haut is a powerful wine, but it is also rather closed. That won't be an issue in time; the 2018 needs quite a bit of air to show all of the rich, layered fruit readers have come to expect from this Saint-Émilion. Succulent dark cherry, chocolate, new leather, espresso and sweet spice build into the rich, layered finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$150.00 -
d'Armailhac 2018
24 Bottles available at time of offer
The classified 5th growth from the house of Mouton, and immediately next door. The wines have consistently over-achieved and represent excellent, smart buying for collectors and drinkers alike. Enjooy anytime over the next 20 years.. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 92
The 2018 d'Armailhac is bright, fresh and so inviting, just as it was en primeur. Sweet red cherry fruit, cedar, spice, tobacco and anise add lovely aromatic complexity. All of the intensity of the year comes through nicely and yet the personality of Armailhac is evident also. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years, to allow some of the baby fat to melt away. There is a bit more breadth and richness that is the result of yields that were just 32 hectoliters per hectare as opposed to the more typical 42 or so.
Andrew Caillard 96
Deep colour. Fresh liquorice cassis pure blackcurrant aromas with some mocha aniseed notes. Well concentrated buoyant wine with deep set liquorice blackcurrant fruits, plentiful ripe tannins and integrated acidity. Finish firm. Really lovely density and purity of fruit with gravelly notes.James Suckling 93-94
A soft and generous red with plum, tobacco and currant character and a delicious, full body and brightness. Juicy. Attractive, earthy aftertaste. Layered and dense.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$160.00 As low as $144.00 -
Clos du Marquis 2018
Plenty avaliable at time of offer
Established in 1902 the Clos du Marquis comes from very specific parcels of vineyard surrounding the great Leoville Las Cases, Leoville Barton and Poyferré. It is not the second wine of Las Cases, and rightfully sings to its own beat, but within the sure class of the terroir at an affordable price. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 94
The 2018 Clos du Marquis is so expressive, and frankly, delicious. In 2018 there is a bit more richness than typical, but that is 2018. A rush of inky dark fruit, graphite, lavender, spice, crushed rocks and smoke all race out of the glass. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. The 2018 spent 16 months on French oak, 55% new. It is one of the hidden gems in this vintage. I would give it a few years to soften, as the tannins are imposing.
James Suckling 94-95
The purple-fruit and black-olive character with violet undertones is wonderful here. Full-bodied, yet reserved and intense. Finesse. Graphite and minerality. Layered.Andrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep colour. Fresh intense black currant mocha aromas with herb garden aniseed notes. Well concentrated wine with deep-set black currant mulberry fruit, fine plentiful chalky tannins and underlying mocha dukkah oak. Classical structured wine with good potential.Antonio Galloni 90-93
The 2018 Clos du Marquis is a powerful, heady Saint-Julien. Smoke, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice, iron, scorched earth and gravel all run through this potent, virile Saint-Julien. In 2018, Clos du Marquis is especially tannic. There is so much to like about Clos de Marquis in 2018, but it will need time in bottle. Best of all, it should be a solid value. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$163.00 As low as $146.70 -
La Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases 2018
12 bottles avalible at time of offer
Created in 2007, Le Petit Lion is mostly young-vine Cabernet, plus old-vine Merlot that does not make it into the Grand Vin of Leoville Las Cases. The vine source is principally from the large Grand Clos that is currently being replanted, in the northern part St-Julien - right next to Latour. -Tom PortetLisa Perrotti-Brown 92-94
Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives a wonderfully perfumed nose of violets, star anise and fragrant soil over a core of plum preserves, blackberry pie and blueberry compote plus a waft of spice cake. The palate is rich, seductive and spicy with plush, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and opulent. Love it!Antonio Galloni 91-94
The 2018 Le Petit Lion is a magnificent second wine. Aromatic, sweet and pliant, the 2018 is also remarkably light on its feet, something that is especially notable given the alcohol at 14.5%. Silky, giving and super-expressive, the 2018 has it all. The Petit Lion is 45% old-vine Merlot, 42% mostly younger vine Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc. More importantly, it is a real overachiever in 2018.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$163.00 As low as $146.70 -
Beychevelle 2015 375mlSAINT JULIEN 4th Growth Cru Classé
The 2015 Beychevelle was picked between 22 September and 8 October, a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that will be matured in 50% new oak. It has quite a high IPT at 81, a pH of 3.72. It has a clean and crisp bouquet, tightly-wound at first, then unfurls with redcurrant, cranberry and raspberry scents, leaning towards the red spectrum rather than black. There is impressive delineation here, no frills, almost clinical in its "aromatic efficiency." The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is a suave Beychevelle in the making, harmonious in the mouth, supple even, gently building towards a lightly spiced finish. Among the Saint Julien wines, this is clearly one of the more understated 2015s. It is only when you swallow the wine that its lingering flavors remind you that this could evolve into one of Philippe Blanc's great Beychevelles. While it is not a headline-grabbing wine, a decade in bottle will be handsomely rewarded. (92-94) ANTONIO GALLONI2015Cabernet MerlotFrance356$165.00 As low as $148.50 -
Camensac 2016 1500mlHAUT-MÉDOC - 5th Growth
The 2016 Camensac is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, picked from 27 September until 18 October at 42 hectoliters per hectare. There is a pastille-like purity on the nose: blackberry, briary and a light floral note coming through with time. The quality of the vintage shows through on the palate, which is very harmonious and demonstrates both excellent backbone and intensity. It builds in the mouth, maintaining plenty of freshness and with a mineral-driven finish. This is an excellent Château de Camensac and fingers crossed it will represent great value in the market once released. (90-92) NEAL MARTIN
2016Cabernet BlendsFrance356$165.00 As low as $148.50 -
Saint Pierre 2018
24 Bottles available at time of offer
Perhaps the least known of the Saint Julien Chateaux, Saint Pierre is one of the most underestimated classified growths of Bordeaux. Located right behind the township, the wine scored consistently well, releasing at a justifiable higher prices this vintage that still lets consumers put the lack of recognition to use. -Tom Portet
Lisa Perotti Brown 94-96
The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Saint-Pierre displays shy scents of rose hip tea, dried mint, crushed rocks and lavender to begin, opening out to a growing core of warm blackcurrants, baked blackberries and Morello cherries plus wafts of garrigue and wild sage. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with black fruits and provocative mineral sparks, it has a firm texture of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory..Antonio Galloni 92-95
A powerful, virile wine, the 2018 Saint-Pierre is also one of the highlights of the vintage. Black cherry, graphite, smoke, leather, menthol, violet and spice meld together in a brooding, tannic Saint-Julien that is going to need a bit of time to truly come into its own. Saint-Pierre is muscular, massively tannic and forbidding, and yet there is a ton of fruit behind all of that structure. Cabernet Sauvignon features heavily in the blend, and that comes through in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. Readers will have to be patient. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. The 2018 is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. Tasted four times.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$173.00 As low as $155.70 -
Branaire Ducru 2018
5 Bottles available at time of offer
Antonio Galloni 96
The 2018 Branaire-Ducru is every bit as captivating as it was en primeur. Ripe, silky tannins give the 2018 a striking air of sensuality that only grows as the wine sits in the glass. Succulent red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint, spice and gravel inflections all open more over time. Even with all of its natural radiance, Branaire remains a model of grace. It is unquestionably one of the under the radar wines of the year.James Suckling 95-96
This is a fantastic Brainaire with deep and dark fruit, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Lots of raspberries, too. Full-bodied with firm and creamy tannins and a super long finish. We will see if it's better than 2016, but on its way.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$175.00 As low as $157.50 -
Doisy Daene 2011
The aromatics on the Doisy-Daene comes racing out of the blocks like a March hare, soaring from the glass with honey, quince and lychee aromas with a sorbet like freshness and vivacity. The palate is supremely well balanced with a heightened level of tension and purity, offering delectable but subtle notes of white peach and apricot towards the beautifully composed, mineral-rich finish. Curiously, it reminds me of a top-flight Mosel Auslese, but what a fabulous Barsac from Denis Dubourdieu! (97) NEAL MARTIN
The 2011 Doisy-Daëne has a tightly wound nose at first, unfurling to reveal pure honey, saffron and Mirabelle aromas. The palate is well balanced with a harmonious texture, fine acidity, very pure with an almost caressing honeyed, lemongrass-tinged finish. There is something almost tender about this Sauternes. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. NEAL MARTIN, TASTED 2021
Medium gold. The nose is richly fruity, with aromas of apricot and peach as well as some tropical fruit, and the oak is nicely judged. There's opulence on the palate but the zesty acidity ensures there is nothing heavy about the wine. It's very concentrated and silky, again with discreet oak nuances, and it shows remarkable persistence and finesse. Perfect now STEPHEN BROOK, TASTED 2021
2011Sem/Sauv BlendFrance356$175.00 As low as $157.50 -
Beau Sejour Becot 2018 - SOLD OUT
Has scored very consistently from leading critics, making it a standout well-priced Saint-Emilion. Made by Michel Rolland, the wines are not surprisingly full bodied and rating well with three American journalists below. -Tom Portet
Antonio Galloni 94-97
A regal, soaring Saint-Émilion built on vertical intensity and structure. The 2018 Beau-Séjour Bécot is fabulous. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2018 has it all. Soaring aromatics and a huge spine of tannin give the 2018 its regal contours. The 2018 was barreled down late, and it is still coming together, especially in its aromatics, but its potential is evident. A wine of tremendous character and personality Beau-Séjour Bécot dazzles in 2018. It is an utterly captivating Saint-Émilion from Juliette Bécot and Julien Barthe, along with their consulting winemaker Thomas Duclos.Lisa Perotti Brown 95-97
Full-bodied, the palate is laden with latent energy, offering slow-releasing glimpses at dark, seductive berry preserves layers and vibrant earthy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.James Suckling 95-96
A very fresh and beautiful wine with extremely fine tannins that melt nicely into the pure fruit. Medium to full body. Crisp and very fruity. Wonderful finish that lasts for minutes. It grows in stature at the end.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$180.00 As low as $162.00 -
Doisy Daene 2009
Denis Dubourdieu has provided one of the genuine stars of the vintage with the Chateau Doisy-Daene, two, if you count his Extravagance. This has a very fragrant nose with apple blossom, lime leaf and a touch of honey. Very fresh and lifted...spring-like. The palate is very well balanced, not a powerful Sauternes but ethereally poised and focused, skipping blithely to an animated pear, honeysuckle and apricot finish. Very pretty, very complete and very outstanding. (98) NEAL MARTIN
The last time I tasted the 2009 Doisy-Daëne, I felt it was in a dumb phase. This bottle suggests that it is no longer in that phase! It has a lovely bouquet with honey, white peach, nougat and light marzipan scents, growing in intensity with just a touch of lavender. Wonderful definition. The palate is very well defined with superb concentration, a surfeit of botrytis, tangy marmalade and quince notes with a touch of ginger enlivening the finish. What an outstanding Doisy-Daëne! Tasted at the vertical at Doisy-Daëne. NEAL MARTIN, TASTED 2022
2009Sem/Sauv BlendFrance356$185.00 As low as $166.50 -
Vray Croix de Gay 2018
Antonio Galloni 93-96
The 2018 Vray Croix de Gay is sensual, open-knit and inviting. Rose petal, mint, lavender and spice add striking aromatic presence to a refined, sensual Pomerol that hits all the right notes. Beautifully persistent and layered, Vray Croix de Gay is absolutely gorgeous. This is an especially nuanced, understated style.James Suckling 93-94
Very tight and focused with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and beautiful. Medium body. Fresh finish.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$190.00 As low as $171.00 -
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2019
Pessac Léognan
Grand Cru Classé
Purchase En Primeur. Arrival due September 2022.
The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier has the potential to be one of the wines of the vintage. Regal and soaring in the glass, with tremendous intensity, the 2019 is pure magic. An exotic mélange of ripe red plum, gravel, spice, cured meats and incense develops with time in the glass. Effortless and wonderfully nuanced, the 2019 is a fabulous wine in the making. Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni 95/97
2019Cabernet BlendsFrance356$195.00 As low as $175.50 -
Sociando Mallet 2015 1500mlOne of the standouts of the vintage, the 2015 Sociando Mallet is all finesse. Light on its feet, gracious and super-expressive, the 2015 speaks to class above all else. The flavors are bright and beautifully lifted in this polished, sophisticated Haut-Médoc. Although a touch light, the 2015 is very pretty. The blend is 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. 90 ANTONIO GALLONI2015Cabernet MerlotFrance356Special Price $195.00 Regular Price $230.00
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Beauregard 201818 bottles available at time of offer
The 2018 Beauregard is forward, supple and very easy to like. Succulent red cherry, plum, mocha, espresso and new leather all wrap around the palate. This racy, opulent Pomerol is not especially complex, but it is wonderfully open knit and inviting. The new French oak is at the limit of being overpowering, but the wine's balance is solid. This tasty Pomerol is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next 10-15 years. 90 ANTONIO GALLONI2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$199.00 As low as $179.10 -
Pavie Macquin 2018
14 bottles available at time of offer.
A wine that really shows the diversity and differences of wine critics and cast the numbers away. You can double down on this theory for en-primeur, where the wines are still not baked. Located next too the hill of Mondot, with Pavie to the south. Organically made and extremely limited availability -Tom Portet
James Suckling 97-98
This is a decadent and beautiful young wine with wild aromas and flavors of meat, wet earth and plums. Very complex. Full-bodied yet soft and very velvety. The tannins melt into the wine, as if they aren't there. Extremely long finish. 78 per cent merlot, 20 per cent cabernet franc and two per cent cabernet sauvignon.Andrew Caillard, MV 96
Deep colour. Intense enervating blackberry cedar wood varnish aromas with aniseed notes. Generous vigorous sweet fruited wine with plentiful new oak and fine grainy graphite tannins. Still elemental but balanced. Massive dense graphite wine with great potential.Antonio Galloni 95
The 2018 Pavie Macquin is voluptuous and exotic to the core. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice and chocolate all race out of the glass. Pliant, supple and silky, the 2018 is lights out. This is an especially heady, flamboyant style, so readers should be prepared for a pretty intense Saint-Émilion. That said, the new oak has now integrated quite nicely..2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$210.00 As low as $189.00 -
Pape Clement Rouge 2019
Pessac Léognan
Grand Cru Classé
Purchase En Primeur. Arrival due September 2022.
The 2019 Pape-Clément was picked from 17 September to 10 October, underwent a 30 day maceration. Matured in 90% oak barrels and 10% wooden foudres for 18 months. It has a very perfumed bouquet with luscious black cherries and boysenberry fruit, touches of raspberry preserve and crème de cassis. The palate is full-bodied and quite muscular, exerting a firm grip and displaying plenty of tobacco-tinged black fruit that dovetails into a more saline, marine influenced finish. This is a very serious Pape-Clément that will require longer ageing than its peers, but will surely be rewarding for those with patience. Tasted on five occasions - hopefully there is some wine left back at the château. Neal Martin 96-98
2019Cabernet BlendsFrance356$215.00 As low as $193.50 -
Pavie Macquin 2019
Saint Émilion
1er Grand Cru Classé B
Purchase En Primeur. Arrival due September 2022.
The 2019 Pavie was picked from 30 September to 11 October at 29hl/ha. It is initially exubertant, feisty on the nose, a bit like the Pavie-Decesse. Allowing my sample an hour in the glass, it evolves more grace and composure with scents of blackberry, briary, incense and iris flowers. The oak beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, quite an edgy line of acidity, touches of graphite infusing the very pure black fruit on the satin-textured finish. This is undoubtedly a very impressive, sauve Pavie destined for long-term drinking. Neal Martin 96-98
2019Cabernet BlendsFrance356$215.00 As low as $193.50 -
Duhart Milon 2018
Ten bottles avaliable at time of offer.
Antonio Galloni 94
Just as it was from barrel, the 2018 Duhart-Milon is a real powerhouse. Black cherry, gravel, spice, espresso and savory herbs infuse the 2018 with notable depth and power. A brooding, virile wine, the Duhart-Milon packs a serious punch. I would give it a few years to soften. The 2018 has really come together since en primeur. In fact, the bottled wine bears little semblance to the en primeur sample, which is a very good thing. There is real density and weight here, with all of the natural richness of the year.James Suckling 95-96
This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?Andrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep colour. Very classical with pure blackcurrant pastille aromas and toasty vanilla notes. Medium powered but really well-balanced wine with pure blackcurrant cassis fruits, fine lacy graphite tannins and underlying mocha vanilla notes.
Lisa Perotti Brown 93-95
Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive-the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$220.00 As low as $198.00 -
Grand Puy Lacoste 2018
Sixteen bottles available at time of offer
It's always a joy to visit this lovely chateau with owners Xavier and Emeline Borie. They could easily be Australian, with their easy charm and grounded views that flow delightfully into their wine. A long-time favourite of Bordeaux insiders, could easily be upgraded to a 3rd Growth considering its quality and the critic reviews below. -Tom PortetAntonio Galloni 96
The 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous, just as it was from barrel. Strong Cabernet inflections soar out of the glass, giving the wine a compelling aromatic profile laced with the essence of graphite, dried herbs, menthol and dark fruit. One of the most classic (for lack of a better word) wines in the Left Bank in 2018, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is super-impressive right out of the gate. Grand-Puy-Lacoste is ultimately a wine of tremendous class that remains restrained and aristocratic in breeding. Don't miss it.Andrew Caillard, MW 95
Deep colour. Lovely blackcurrant white pepper aromas with herb notes. Well concentrated black currant aniseed flavours, fine-grained but plentiful tannins. Lovely inky graphite plum.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$224.00 As low as $201.60 -
Clinet 2017
Pomerol
9 BOTTLE remain at time of offer
The 2017 Clinet was bottled at the end of June 2019. It has a more understated bouquet than the 2015 or 2016. Tightly wound, brambly black fruit with traces of pressed violet and iodine, gradually open with orange rind notes. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. This is classic in style, firm grip and a little rigid in its youth, although it will flesh out with bottle age. I admire both the freshness and salinity in this Clinet, especially its linearity on the finish. Excellent. (13.2% alcohol) (93) NEAL MARTIN, vinous2017Cabernet MerlotFrance356$225.00 As low as $202.50 -
Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion 201812 bottles available at time of offer
Neal Martin 92
The 2018 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has really blossomed since I tasted it in barrel. The bouquet is very pure and perfumed, featuring shimmering red berry fruit, briar, undergrowth and a touch of peppermint dallying in the background. The palate is very well balanced with smooth tannins, very nicely pitched acidity and a subtle marine note toward the finish. This is just plain delicious.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$240.00 As low as $216.00 -
Clerc Milon 2018
EP Order minimum 3 bottles
Pauillac
The Mouton team delivered an outstanding effort that uses a complete blend of five varieties; mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but also Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and the relatively little used Carmene?re. Always presents well. -Tom Portet
James Suckling 95-96
Very generous and dense with layers of gorgeous blackberries and blueberries. Full-bodied and so layered with fantastic tannin backbone at the same time.Andrew Caillarc, MW 94
Deep colour. Fresh aromatic wine with red plum red currant cassis aromas with toasty oak notes. Supple wine with red currant black currant fruits, plentiful grainy tannins and underlying espresso notes. Finishes firm and tight.2018Cabernet BlendsFrance356$240.00 As low as $216.00