Bordeaux

The latest vintage of our best-selling white, “GOW”, is a benchmark Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented at low temperatures to preserve the crystalline purity of this popular variety, the nose displays classic cut-grass and gooseberry aromas. The palate follows up with fresh, crunchy white current and citrus fruit. With its elegant, bone-dry finish, this is perfect on its own or with lighter fish and chicken dishes

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

Our best-selling wine for many decades, GOC, as it's known, brilliantly highlights the drinkability of modern red Bordeaux. Bright, medium ruby in colour it has a siren-like nose of black cherries, bramble fruit and wood smoke. The palate follows through with a long, velvety finish.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[]International Wine Challenge® 2019-Silver
{ratings}
{***}

A traditional Graves Blend of 58 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 42 percent Merlot, this comes from selected plots of young vines at Ch. Haut-Bailly. It’s a wonderfully vibrant example of both the château’s style and the 2017 vintage. Lithe and elegant, with a terrific core of bright red fruit and great detail on the finish, this would be splendid with roast pork or a shoulder of lamb. 

{***}
{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

This wine is made by the team at Fifth Growth estate Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Its fabulous bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar and cigar box is classic Pauillac, as are its muscular, but opulent tannins and crisp freshness. The palate boasts the hallmark of the quality and appealing nature of the 2015 vintage, with rich, ripe black-fruit flavours, framed by a hint of toasty, fine-grained oak. It has the structure and energy to age gracefully but is hugely enjoyable now, ideally with rare roast lamb or beef.

{***}{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

70% Sauvignon, 30% Sémillon second wine of the famed Domaine de Chevalier, it is the selection of barrels which give this wine its richness and depth. Complex nose of lychee, lime flowers and white peaches the wine draws one in. The palate has great purity and length with a zingy acidity. Open to appreciation from a young age, Esprit is a wine of great elegance. Serve chilled. Perfect with seafood – also partners a leek tarte or crab mousse.

{***}
{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}
{***}

Crafted entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, the 2018 La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant, aromatic and full-flavoured white wine. Pronounced citrus fruit aromas of lemon and grapefruit jostle with compelling mineral notes. The same characters are echoed on the appealingly generous palate, underpinned by lovely poise typical of Sauvignon cultivated on limestone, which leaves a lasting impression on the 2018 blend. Well-balanced and refreshing, the wine culminates in a long, aromatic finish. 

{***}{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
  {***}

Made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Blanc 2016 is elegant, lively and wonderfully fresh. Pronounced citrus fruit aromas of grapefruit and lemon intermingle with passion fruit fragrances on the nose. Complex floral flavours and appealing refreshing verve culminate in a long, zesty finish

{***}{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
  {***}

The 2016 Villa Bel Air Blanc features lime zest, yuzu and lemon curd notes with a waft of orange blossoms. Medium-bodied, crisp and zesty in the mouth, it delivers a lovely savoriness on the finish. Drink 2018 - 2022.

{***}{region}Graves{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

This full-bodied blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon hit 14.5% natural alcohol. It is deep and rich, with loads of caramelized grapefruit, tropical fruit, subtle oak, wet stones and plenty of melons. Drink now-2035. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100
[]  Wine Spectator:: 93/100
[] Jancis Robinson:: 16/20{ratings}{***}

Renowned for Semillon cultivated on gravel, aromas of white peach and pear and a hint of smoke define this Rahoul 2016. Cultivated on clay over a limestone subsoil in certain parcels on the estate, appealing Sauvignon blanc lends lingering aromas offering mineral character, freshness and length. This is a successful blend, largely due to rigorously monitored harvesting dates, which lend round, fresh character and length to this superb white wine terroir.

{***}
{region}Graves{region}
{color}White{color}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 92/100
[]Vinous Media:: 89/100 
[]Jancis Robinson:: 16/20
[]Robert Parker:: 89/100
{ratings}
{***}

Lovely, deep ruby red appearance for the Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2017. Charming on the bouquet, where a hint of toast intermingles with red and black berry fruit aromas. Initially sumptuously smooth on the palate, the wine gains momentum to unleash delicious, fruit-laden texture, oozing freshness and appealing spicy notes. Very well-balanced overall, backed by rounded, silky tannins and culminating in a long, fruity final woven with well-integrated oak. 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2017{vintage} {ratings} {ratings}{***}

Lovely deep garnet in appearance, Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2016 is irresistible with its rich bouquet redolent of red and black berries, combined with delicately oaked and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is initially supple, then rapidly gains in volume, underpinned by well-rounded tannins, coated in turn by the fruity, flavoursome and fresh wine. The overall balance of the different components defines this wine, which culminates in a lingering, aromatic, well-integrated oaky finish. 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2016{vintage} {ratings} {ratings}{***}

Deep in colour and tinged with garnet. Fruity aromas, enhanced by smoky nuances typical of these gravel soils, are echoed on the generous palate, with its full tannic structure. Good balance lasts through to the lovely finish.

{***}
{region}Graves{region}
{color}Red{color}
{vintage}2013{vintage}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate::86-88/100                                                                                                                                                            []Tim Atkin::90/100
[]Robert Parker::86-88/100
{ratings}
{***}

Very concentrated, almost black in appearance. The intense bouquet delivers an explosion of black berry aromas, of primarily cherries and blackberries, together with a touch of spice. Full and generous on the palate, structured by delicate, silky tannins, coated in fresh, juicy fruit. The delicately integrated oak accompanies the full-flavoured, lingering finish of this superb, concentrated, fleshy and delicious Pey La Tour Reserve.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux AOC{region}
{color}Red{color}

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2016{vintage} {ratings} []Wine Enthusiast:: 91/100 []James Suckling:: 91/100 {ratings}{***}

Very dark purple and lustrous. Certainly looks very appealing. Succulent fruit with a streak of iodine. Very polished and worked. Fine tannins on the finish. Just goes a little dead on the end. Hint of bitterness.

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 87-90/100                                                                                                                                                []Jancis Robinson:: 16/20 
[]Decanter:: 16.25/20
{ratings}{***}

Attractive, deep garnet in colour. Highly perfumed on the nose offering complex aromas of fresh red fruit notes, spices and precious woods. A fine tannic structure for such a generous, velvety, highly-concentrated palate. This Belgrave 2011 reveals freshness and elegance in true Saint-Julien style – a very attractive wine!

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Enthusiast:: 92-94/100                                                                                                                                                []Jancis Robinson:: 16/20 
[]Tim Atkin:: 90/100
{ratings}{***}

With a sweet, intense, Cabernet nose of spices, a real depth of character and a great true Bordeaux finish, this is a superb little number that will be one of the stand-out value wines of the vintage. Just tucked in behind Ch. Lagrange and Ch. Talbot, this is a generous quaffer.

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100
[] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100{ratings}{***}

The 1996 is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon vintage and drinking beautifully now. There are substantial savoury depths to this blackcurrant and briary fruit-driven wine, with a satisfyingly firmness to the palate that still shows its capacity to age. Fresh and vibrant with cedar notes on the finish. Drink now to 2022.

{***}
{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}1996{vintage}
{***}

This is quite forward in style for a 2006. Dense dark fruits and earthy tones combined with juicy tannins and a long finish mean that this wine offers far more than its price suggests. It should start to drink in 2010 and will continue to delight for 10 more years.

{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region}
{color} Red{color}                {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Robert Parker:: 90-92/100

[] The Wine Advocate:: 92/100{ratings} {***}

Ch. Talbot generally provides benchmark St Julien and has done so again in 2015. Firm in structure, the tannins create a large frame that is filled with rich, dark fruit and hints of cedar from the oak. Really quite opulent, it has a long finish which ends with a savoury hit.

{***}{region}St Julien{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100        
  [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20          
 [] Decanter:: 91/100{ratings}    {***}

Ch. Gruaud Larose is a Deuxième Cru Classé property that produces one of St Julien's most full-bodied and long-lived wines. Sometimes tannic and ungainly in youth, with bottle-age the wines become marvellously harmonious, developing complex and beguiling characteristics of concentrated black fruits, cedar, spices and liquorice. Deeply coloured, massively structured, with ample mature tannins, spicy oak and tobacco-scented dark berry fruit. A wine of undisputed ageing potential, this is drinking gloriously now.

{***}{region}St. Julien{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1989{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100{ratings}{***}

Lustrous crimson. Sweet start; very charming. Perfumed. A real flirt and with very bright fruit.

{***}{region}St Emilion{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

The 2014 Les Arômes de Pavie has an airy, well-defined bouquet with brambly blackberry and blueberry fruit, the oak is nicely integrated. The palate is rounded and fleshy on the entry, quite bold and with a lot of extraction, but there is a nagging greenness on the finish that jars and detracts from the wine as a whole. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2018 - 2022 - Neal Martin

{***}
{region}St Emilion{region}

{color}Red{color}               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2014{vintage}{ratings}   

[]James Suckling :: 92/100

[]Antonio Galloni :: 90/100   

{ratings}

{***}

A blend made from the younger vines at the estate, the aim here is to produce a wine which can be drunk young but which shows the complexity and balance of the grand vin. Ripe red and blackberry fruit mingles on the palate with leather, cedar and delicate mineral notes with a lovely freshness on the finish. One for roast lamb with all the trimmings.

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}{***}

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Malartic-Lagravière has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, blueberry and violet scents. I appreciate the control and precision on display here. The palate does not quite match the quality of the nose, although it still offers pleasure: blackberry and subtle spicy notes, quite steely in the mouth with a vivid but linear, black cherry and boysenberry finish. With time, hints of pencil lead evolve in the glass and become more prominent on the finish. Drink now and over the next decade. Drinking window: 2016-2026

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 90/100
{ratings}{***}

Manager Véronique Sanders and Technical Director Gabriel Vialhard have worked wonders here, catapulting Haut-Bailly into the very highest echelon of Bordeaux wines. The 2007 is as silky-textured and seductive as ever with refined, creamy black cherry and redcurrant fruit and a powerful yet feminine charm. The nose is more serious than usual with ripe raspberries and coffee hints, while the famous Haut Bailly terroir bursts through on the finish alongside firm, supple tannins and intense, minerally fruit. Made with more Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) than usual, this is another absolutely irresistible Haut-Bailly.

{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16.5/20
{ratings}       {***}

This St.-Estèphe wine from the 2011 vintage has some freshly crushed cherry and damson plum notes, along with a lightly chalky frame on the finish, but it's a bit shy on stuffing and length in the end.

{***}{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 85-88/100                                                                                                                                                                                                                           []Decanter:: 16/20
{ratings}{***}

Eight years on, the 2011 Ormes de Pez is starting to really open up. The nose is intensely spicy, with savoury cedar notes and brooding dark fruit. There’s an almost floral edge to its aromatic profile, with something that hints at eucalyptus (perhaps a nod to the coolness of the vintage). The palate is smooth and lush, its age – and time in oak (15 months) – tells, with layers of leather and spice joining the core of black fruit. The chalky tannins and mouth-watering acidity call for hard cheeses or roast lamb. Drink now to 2021.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 89-92/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16.5/20
{ratings}    {***}

The 1998 Calon-Ségur, blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color with just a touch of brick and a very earthy/meaty nose with notions of new leather, smoked game, truffles, dusty soil, iron ore and mossy bark over a core of crème de cassis, preserved plums, spice cake and unsmoked cigars plus a waft of incense. The palate is medium-bodied and packed with spicy and earthy layers with velvety tannins, seamless freshness and great length. Give it 10 to 15+ more years.

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}1998{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Advocate:: 93/100 
{ratings}
{***}

Château Brane-Cantenac needs no introduction; it is the smoothest and one of the most consistent properties in Margaux. It is for that very reason that we asked them to produce our own-label Margaux. Sadly for us, due to the enormous demand for the wine, the château decided three years ago to bottle it itself, as a third wine, under the name Margaux de Brane. The 2016 vintage is without doubt the best I have witnessed in my 15 years buying Bordeaux – offering such consistency across all quality levels. This – the 2016 Margaux de Brane – is no exception to the rule, and is so good that our Buying team all bought a couple of cases as soon as we had tasted it. It is one of the best-value wines I have ever bought; I heartily recommend you stock up to drink now and over the next three years. It also happens to look stunning on the table, should you have distinguished guests.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

Ch. Giscours has been making consistent, hugely enjoyable and affordable top quality Margaux since 2000, and 2012 is certainly no exception. Sometimes criticised for producing a more ‘masculine’ style of Margaux (that I thoroughly enjoy), this is not the case this year. Multi-layered, refined with a beautiful freshness and elegance that is the personification of its commune, this will be a reasonably early drinker that will deliver great satisfaction in a few years.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20        
 [] Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100          
 [] Robert Parker:: 88-90/100{ratings}    {***}

Quite brilliant! An incredibly seductive, inviting nose of ripe and cool Cabernet, leading to a spectacular, plump but defined, powerful yet precise mouthful of decadent and moreish black and red summer fruits. The tannins are so fine they are hardly apparent within the generosity of the fruit. The length is spectacular and this is one of the best buys; it is Second Growth in quality.

{***}{region}Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100        
 [] Wine Spectator:: 94/100          
 [] Robert Parker:: 91/100{ratings}    {***}

A deep ruby colour with violet tints, showing remarkable intensity. A highly aromatic nose with black fruit aromas (blackberries and cassis) and delicate floral notes. Vanilla and spices are present on the second nose. The attack is full and round, and the mid-palate very generous, with sweet tannins. This is a well-balanced and full-flavoured wine.

{***}
{region} Margaux{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}{***}

This estate is always one of my favourite red Bordeaux and it is beautifully harmonious and quintessentially Margaux in 2015. A Second Growth of real complexity, its attractive nose has a wonderfully floral perfume. The well-integrated tannins and nicely judged acidity combine to produce a benchmark palate. There is real potential here. The racy freshness of the vintage is present and the coolness on the finish is rewarding. Ever so generous, delicious, fresh and juicy.

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carménère

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}

{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}

{vintage}2010{vintage}

{ratings}
[]James Suckling:: 93-94/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 17.5/20                
[]Decanter :: 93/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}

{***}

The second wine of Ch. Lynch-Bages, this has an attractive, dark ruby colour. It releases fresh fruit aromas of red berries and what a joy to taste! The palate is marked by spicy and oaky notes while the tannins are soft and round, but there is such energy on the palate. Very well poised, it finishes long.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100        
[]Jancis Robsinson:: 16/20                
[]Decanter:: 91/100           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 90/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

The vines, of an average age of 30 years, are planted on soils of gravel and clay for the Merlot and silt where the Cabernet Franc shows its full character. Wine has a deep colour, a vivid nose and a good texture backed up by a firm tannic structure. 

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}

{color}Red{color}               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}

{vintage}2001{vintage}

{***}