Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the centre of the fine wine world. The maritime climate on the 45th parallel offers perfect conditions for growing grapes fit for classically-constructed, long-lasting wines. This vast region is home to 10,000 wine producers and 57 different AOCs. Red – or ‘Claret’ as it’s known – now comprises 88 percent of Bordeaux wine. Then there is the district of Sauternes making some of the most outstanding sweet white wines anywhere.
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[]white::White Bordeaux
[]red::Red Bordeaux
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12-bottle Case: 2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux Rouge
This dense wine has layers of tannins on top of the black fruits. It is rich, with a juicy black-currant character and lots of acidity to balance with the structure. Drink from 2020.
89pts Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
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}{***}
12-bottle Case: 2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux RougeBordeaux AOC12-bottle Case: 2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux RougeBottle Price 75 cl $900.00Was $1,296.00 -
2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux Rouge
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}{***}
2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux RougeBordeaux AOC2017 Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux RougeBottle Price 75 cl $80.00Was $108.00 -
2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Extra Ordinary Claret
For almost 20 years, “EOC” (as it is known) has come from the same single estate in the Graves, distributed by the Cazes family, one of the great names of Bordeaux. The 2018 vintage is a great one, and the wine perfectly captures the warmth of that summer. A 50-50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet, finished with careful oak maturation, this is full of ripe blackberry and cassis flavours. The result is a typically plump, rounded Claret, suitable for all occasions. A classic pairing would be roast lamb or pan-fried duck breast, but this delicious wine is versatile enough to match most savoury food.
{***} {region}Bordeaux{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2018{vintage} {ratings} {ratings}{***}
2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Extra Ordinary ClaretBordeaux2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Extra Ordinary ClaretBottle Price 300 cl $1,298.00Bottle Price 150cl $318.00Bottle Price 75 cl $155.00 -
2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary White
The 2019 vintage was excellent for our best-selling white, “GOW”. The same team behind our Good Ordinary Claret sources top-quality Sauvignon Blanc from some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The fruit is fermented cool to preserve the grape’s fabulous aromatics, and no oak, allowing intense white currant and lemon zest aromas to shine. Racy and refreshing, it’s an elegant, bone-dry wine, which makes a perfect apéritif, but is particularly good with lighter fish or chicken dishes, as well as most soft cheese.
{***} {region}Bordeaux{region} {color}White{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {vintage}2019{vintage} {***}
2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary WhiteBordeaux2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary WhiteBottle Price 75 cl $80.00 -
2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Margaux by Ch. du Tertre
Once again, the fruit for our own-label 2017 Margaux comes from plots of younger vines at Château du Tertre. From the perfumed, elegant bouquet, to its charming, silky palate, this is quintessential Claret, made in an attractive, rounded style. Redcurrant and violets fill the nose, while darker, bramble fruit, cedar and spice follow on the palate. A touch of smoky oak frames the whole, and the finish is long, subtle and warming. Already drinking well now, this will cellar comfortably for a year or two.
{***} {region}Margaux{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage} {ratings} {ratings}{***}
2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Margaux by Ch. du TertreMargaux2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Margaux by Ch. du TertreBottle Price 75 cl $275.00 -
2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd St Emilion by Ch. Simard
For the 2017 vintage, we have again been lucky to secure a parcel from a tiny Grand Cru property managed by the Vauthier family – one of the best names on the Right Bank. The aromas soar from the glass in this typically Merlot-dominated blend. Showing ripe berry and damson fruit on the nose, and a round, chocolatey richness on the palate, this is classically generous St Emilion. Its soft, full flavours would work perfectly with a Sunday roast.
{***} {region}St Emilion{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage}{***}
2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd St Emilion by Ch. SimardSt Emilion2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd St Emilion by Ch. SimardBottle Price 75 cl $238.00 -
2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Pomerol, by Ch. Feytit-Clinet
From the stellar 2018 vintage, our own-label Pomerol comes from the young vines and selected parcels of Château Feytit-Clinet. Owner Jérémy Chasseuil has crafted another wonderful wine for us, using predominately rich, ripe Merlot, with a dash of Cabernet Franc to add structure and complexity. Showing a gorgeous nose of morello cherries, kirsch and mocha, the wine expands on the palate with a wealth of opulent forest fruit to the fore. Duck and game are classic matches with Pomerol, but this would be superb with a deeply flavoured mushroom risotto.
{***} {region}Pomerol{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {vintage}2018{vintage} {***}
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2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd St Julien by Ch. Léoville Las Cases
Our Own Selection St Julien comes from the younger vines of Ch. Léoville Las Cases. You’ll find notes of cassis and menthol on the nose, with just a touch of oak and a deep and powerful palate that brings classic Cabernet and Merlot fruit flavours to the fore. This is a balanced wine, with a long, savoury finish – perfect with a prime rib of beef or a leg of British lamb.
{***} {region}St Julien{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage} {***}
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2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Pessac-Léognan by Ch. Haut Bailly
Coming from plots of younger vines at Château Haut-Bailly, this is a classic Graves blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. From its deep, glossy colour to the bright, vivacious fruit on the nose, this is a beautiful example of the region’s wines. Cassis fruit crackles across the palate, but is coated in silky, elegant tannins. This is a wine in shimmering form, with such an open, charming style that it’s hard to resist now, but will improve for a year or two.
{***} {region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2018{vintage} {***} -
2010 Ch. Malartic-Lagravière Blanc, Pessac-Léognan
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}{***}
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2016 Ch. Villa Bel-Air Blanc, Graves
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}{***}
2016 Ch. Villa Bel-Air Blanc, GravesGraves2016 Ch. Villa Bel-Air Blanc, GravesBottle Price 75 cl $135.00 -
2016 Dourthe Ch. Rahoul Blanc, Graves
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} {***}
2016 Dourthe Ch. Rahoul Blanc, GravesGraves2016 Dourthe Ch. Rahoul Blanc, GravesBottle Price 75 cl $125.00Was $198.00 -
2012 Ch. Belgrave, Haut-Médoc
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}{***}
2012 Ch. Belgrave, Haut-MédocHaut-Médoc2012 Ch. Belgrave, Haut-MédocBottle Price 75 cl $280.00 -
2005 Ch. Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc
There is a completeness that is evident in 2005 Clarets, and this is what immediately strikes with 2005 Cantemerle. It has bags of fruit, tannin and acidity, all tied up in an impeccably-balanced, polished package. Sweet cassis fruit is accompanied by a spicy edge and a long, fresh lift. This is very pretty now but ideally wants another five years to really get going, and will easily keep for another five after that.
{***}{region}Haut-Médoc{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {vintage}2005{vintage} {ratings}
[] Wine Spectator:: 90/100
[] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100{ratings} {***}
2005 Ch. Cantemerle, Haut-MédocHaut-Médoc2005 Ch. Cantemerle, Haut-MédocBottle Price 75 cl $405.00 -
2005 Ch. Brane-Cantenac, Margaux
This got a little lost last year due to being released amidst a pack of more famous names. Offering outstanding value for a Second Growth, it is quintessentially Margaux, harmoniously beautiful and definitely one not to miss!
{***} {region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 92+/100
[]Decanter:: 94/100
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2005 Ch. Brane-Cantenac, MargauxMargaux2005 Ch. Brane-Cantenac, MargauxBottle Price 75cl $838.00 -
2014 Baron de Brane, Margaux
The 2014 Baron de Brane displays scents of brambly red berry fruit, mocha and hints of espresso on the well-defined nose. The medium-bodied palate offers fine tannin and a straightforward, tobacco-tinged and lightly spiced finish. The most elegant Baron de Brane in recent years. Fine. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château.ed wine.
{***} {region} Margaux{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings} [] Vinous:: 87/100 [] Decanter:: 89/100{ratings}
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2014 Baron de Brane, MargauxMargaux2014 Baron de Brane, MargauxBottle Price 75 cl $235.00 -
2012 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. Julien
Ch. Langoa Barton impresses in 2012. The character of its Cabernet Sauvignon is vivid and expressive, created from low yields by nature’s vicissitudes during the growing season and supported by a rigorously enforced selection process, which removed any fruit deemed even possibly unripe. Cabernet Sauvignon is 70% of the blend, with 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, all of which will be aged in 60% new barrels. The wine presents with a remarkably juicy initial expression of cassis and the palate remains fruit-driven. Any thoughts that Langoa might tend towards rusticity in this vintage should be dismissed although the wine should be considered for earlier drinking after five or so years.
{***}{region}St Julien{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2015{vintage} {ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 90/100 [] Wine Spectator:: 87-90/100
[] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20
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2012 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. JulienSt Julien2012 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. JulienBottle Price 75 cl $395.00 -
2011 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, St JulienThis really is a very affordable, smaller version of the Grand Vin. Vibrant, red and black fruit with a really charming creaminess that makes it extremely quaffable. Great fun to have put in large bottles for a few years time – we all go for this in the office.
{***} {region}St Julien{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2011{vintage} {ratings}
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2011 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, St JulienSt Julien2011 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, St JulienBottle Price 75cl $275.00 -
2015 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. Julien
A fresh and vibrant style, with streaks of pastis-soaked plum and boysenberry fruit coursing through, carried by graphite and licorice snap notes and ending with a vigorous, juicy finish. Approachable a bit earlier than the main pack, but there is no rush either. Best from 2019 through 2038. - Wine Spectator
{***}{region}St Julien{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2015{vintage} {ratings} [] Robert Parker:: 91/100 [] Vinous:: 93/100
[] Wine Spectator:: 93/100
[] James Suckling:: 94/100
[] Decanter:: 92/100{ratings} {***}
2015 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. JulienSt Julien2015 Ch. Langoa Barton, St. JulienBottle Price 75 cl $425.00 -
2005 Ch. Léoville-Poyferré, St JulienDidier Cuvelier has made an absolutely brilliant wine at Léoville Poyferré this year. The voluminous fruit of the vintage really complements Poyferré's style. This is all black cherries and raspberries with hints of cedar, but at an intensity never seen before in this wine. Like so many of the top châteaux in 2005 this starts in quite a restrained manner but then grows and grows until the flavours seem to explode in your mouth. And as for the finish, well, that just goes on and on. The breed and elegance here is amazing.
{***} {region}St Julien {region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} {vintage}2005{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 93/100
[]Robert Parker:: 93/100
{ratings} {***}
2005 Ch. Léoville-Poyferré, St JulienSt Julien2005 Ch. Léoville-Poyferré, St JulienBottle Price 75cl $1,025.00 -
2011 Ch. Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac
It has a real elegance and precision this year, but with the weight of rich fruit so many lack. More Grand-Puy-Lacoste in Pauillac style than say Lynch-Bages, its sweet red, crunchy fruit gives the glass such a refreshing lift at the end you almost want to drink it now. Well played Claire, this 2011 is another quaffable triumph.
{***}{region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 89/100
[] Robert Parker:: 87-89/100
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2011 Ch. Haut-Bages Libéral, PauillacPauillac2011 Ch. Haut-Bages Libéral, PauillacBottle Price 75cl $375.00 -
2011 Réserve de la Comtesse, PauillacPichon Lalande's second wine, the 2011 Reserve de la Comtesse offers juicy, cherry, red and black currant notes as well as a medium-bodied, elegant, finesse style. It is already drinking well and should continue to evolve nicely for another decade.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 30/04/2014
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}2011{vintage} {ratings}
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2011 Réserve de la Comtesse, PauillacPauillac2011 Réserve de la Comtesse, PauillacBottle Price 75cl $365.00 -
2006 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacA couple of hours in the decanter made the ever masculine Pichon-Baron very approachable; classic blackcurrant, coffee bean, roasted nut, cedar and vanilla combine on a robust and very complex nose. The palate is smooth and fresh, with a very well knit structure, flowing seamlessly into a dark fruit-filled finish, with fine tannins. Huge class and perfect with full flavoured red meats, thanks to its dark, meaty flavours.
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} {vintage}2006{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 91/100 {ratings} {***}
2006 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacPauillac2006 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacBottle Price 75cl $1,585.00 -
1996 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacMost top Claret is best described as elegant, classy, precise and sophisticated, but winemaker Jean-René Matignon always manages to add an extra quality to the wines of Pichon-Baron: sexiness. Their 1996 has this attribute in abundance and is now on top form. With its delicious, concentrated fruit flavours and layers of complexity it will give immense pleasure for current drinking but will keep for a little longer.
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}1996{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 94/100 {ratings} {***}
1996 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacPauillac1996 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacBottle Price 75cl $1,850.00 -
1995 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacThe 1995 Pichon-Baron is a wine that tasted extremely well several years ago, but I wonder how well it is continuing to evolve. The bouquet feels a little smudged, scents of iodine and cassis merging with blackberry and pencil lead; it is a little meandering and missing a sense of focus. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, crisp acidity and good density, but it doesn’t possess the clarity and detail of more recent vintages. Solid, but lacks flair. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château. - Neil Martin
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}1995{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 90/100
[]James Suckling:: 93/100
[]Vinous:: 90/100
{ratings} {***}
1995 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacPauillac1995 Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron, PauillacBottle Price 75cl $1,550.00 -
2000 Ch. Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical, the 2000 Chteau Pontet-Canet is perhaps where things start getting interesting, as Alfred Tesseron's top-to-toe reconfiguration of the vineyard and vinification began to impact and ameliorate the wine. It has a lovely bouquet of blackberry and briary fruit, hints of black truffle developing, later damp earth. There is an intensity here, if not the complexity of the best millennial Pauillacs. The palate is medium-bodied with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and sous-bois percolating up through and rendering it a serious Pontet-Canet in keeping with the vintage. There is a subtle and yet insistent grip on the finish. It has always been a tannic wine, but these are now softening, albeit at a slower pace than some might like. - Neil Martin
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}2000{vintage} {ratings} []Robert Parker:: 92-100/100
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100 {ratings} {***}2000 Ch. Pontet-Canet, PauillacPauillac2000 Ch. Pontet-Canet, PauillacBottle Price 75 cl $1,095.00 -
1996 Ch. Lynch Bages, Pauillac
The fleshy, mouth-filling flavours of this wine, from the exceptional 1996 vintage, leads to great finesse on the finish. With its voluptuous cassis fruit it is a blockbuster to enjoy now but will improve with age. Pauillac at its best.
{***} {region}Pauillac{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}1996{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 91/100 {ratings}{***}
1996 Ch. Lynch Bages, PauillacPauillac1996 Ch. Lynch Bages, PauillacBottle Price 75 cl $1,590.00 -
2010 Ch. La Gaffelière, St Emilion
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 La Gaffeliere is quite closed to begin, slowly unfurling to give scents of baked raspberries, kirsch, dried mulberries and plum pudding plus nuances of pencil shavings and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate layers in the savory and earthy flavors with a firm frame of chewy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. - Wine Advocate
{***}{region}St Emilion{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 95/100
{ratings}
{***}
2010 Ch. La Gaffelière, St EmilionSt Emilion2010 Ch. La Gaffelière, St EmilionBottle Price 75cl $1,195.00 -
2011 Ch. Canon, St Emilion
Simply irresistible. This is really sumptuous and pure. Hedonistic is not an adjective I have used often this year. Words like “firm” “grip” “structure” “tannic pile-up” are more scattered over the 350 or so wines we tried.
{***}{region}St Emilion{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2011{vintage} {ratings} [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100 {ratings} {***}
2011 Ch. Canon, St EmilionSt Emilion2011 Ch. Canon, St EmilionBottle Price 75 cl $808.00 -
2016 Petit-Figeac, St Emilion
This has a fun core of blackberry and black currant fruit, picking up light spearmint and anise notes along the way. Twinge of apple wood on the finish. - Wine Spectator (2017)
{***}{region}St Emilion{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} {vintage}2016{vintage} {ratings} [] Wine Spectator:: 89-92/100 {ratings} {***}
2016 Petit-Figeac, St EmilionSt Emilion2016 Petit-Figeac, St EmilionBottle Price 75 cl $420.00 -
2015 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Léognan
The new cellar, winery and tasting room is now open at Les Carmes and it really is quite an astounding building. The 2015 is a pretty powerful wine, serious, complex and very interesting indeed. The floral bouquet is very pretty, layered with really ripe raspberries which are ever so attractive. My favourite aspect of the wine has to be the earthy, mineral character though, as well as the brilliant tannic structure.
The gravelly soils offer a lovely character and the wine has a sense of place, of terroir. Light in the mouth, the tobacco, sweet black fruits and creamy texture create a wonderful palate, but the savoury characteristics are what I enjoy most about this wine. It is another really promising wine for this up and coming estate.
Blend: 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2015{vintage} {ratings} []James Suckling:: 96-97/100 []Decanter:: 95/100 []The Wine Advocate:: 94+/100 {ratings}
2015 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanPessac-Léognan2015 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanBottle Price 75 cl $975.00 -
2011 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Léognan
This tiny jewel of a property, situated close to La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion, has turned out one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. A deep dark ruby/purple color is followed by hints of graphite, charcoal, creme de cassis and Christmas fruitcake. This medium-bodied Pessac-Leognan is gorgeously concentrated with impeccably well-integrated acidity, tannin, alcohol and oak. An authoritatively long finish adds to the class and nobility of this wine. Drink it over the next 15 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 30/04/2014{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2011{vintage} {ratings} []Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100 []Robert Parker:: 87-89/100 []The Wine Advocate:: 92/100 {ratings}
2011 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanPessac-Léognan2011 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanBottle Price 75 cl $885.00 -
2008 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Léognan
Slightly shorter and less impressive than it was from barrel, the very good 2008 is a mid-weight Graves revealing a dark plum/garnet color along with sweet earthy, herbal, tobacco leaf, sweet and sour cherry and crushed rock characteristics. This medium-bodied, spicy 2008 tails off in the mouth.
{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2008{vintage} {ratings} []Robert Parker:: 87/100 {ratings}
2008 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanPessac-Léognan2008 Ch. les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-LéognanBottle Price 75 cl $795.00 -
2005 La Parde de Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan
This is the best La Parde we’ve ever tasted, it hails from one of the most exciting châteaux in Bordeaux. Ch. Haut-Bailly even considered upgrading this stunning wine to their Grand Vin in 2005. Complex, elegant and imbued with the beautifully feminine style of the Grand Vin, but at a fraction of the price.
{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}2005{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 90/100 {ratings} {***}
2005 La Parde de Haut-Bailly, Pessac-LéognanPessac-Léognan2005 La Parde de Haut-Bailly, Pessac-LéognanBottle Price 75 cl $350.00 -
2005 Ch. Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan
After the sensational 2004 Haut Bailly we were anticipating a rival, or an equal. We were wrong. The 2005 has everything that the 2004 has but cranked up by about 40%. Its intense multilayered flavours are exceptional. The wine is totally decadent and yet so precise. Packed full of typical Graves minerality, incredibly concentrated raspberry and cream flavours, sit alongside great acidity and massive tannins. Veronique Sanders said, 'This is the finest wine that we have ever made.' We say 'Buy as much of this as you can afford.'
{***}{region}Pessac-Léognan{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} {vintage}2005{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 95/100
[]Wine Spectator:: 95/100
[]Robert Parker:: 90/100
{ratings} {***}
2005 Ch. Haut-Bailly, Pessac-LéognanPessac-Léognan2005 Ch. Haut-Bailly, Pessac-LéognanBottle Price 75 cl $1,050.00 -
2003 Ch. la Conseillante, PomerolA very forward Conseillante, bursting with ripe Merlot fruit, but still possessing all of the depth and velvety structure that we expect from this excellent estate. This is a wine to be enjoyed over the next 10 years.
{***} {region}Pomerol{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}2003{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 88/100 {ratings} {***}
2003 Ch. la Conseillante, PomerolPomerol2003 Ch. la Conseillante, PomerolBottle Price 75cl $950.00 -
2011 Ch. le Boscq, St Estèphe
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}{***}
2011 Ch. le Boscq, St EstèpheSt Estèphe2011 Ch. le Boscq, St EstèpheBottle Price 75 cl $225.00Was $310.00 -
2012 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheIn 2010, Ch. Montrose purchased 22ha of prime land from their neighbours, Ch. Phélan-Ségur. The vineyard exactly borders Montrose on its western side and is planted with 2/3 Merlot and 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon. According to who you speak with, this may be Phélan’s best parcel and the Merlot is especially prized. This has given the Montrose team a short-term puzzle, resulting in a higher than usual proportion of Merlot in the blend for the Grand Vin. This will be adjusted over the coming years as existing Montrose Merlot on excellent Cabernet land near the river is replanted to the latter, but in the meantime there is an embarrassment of fine Merlot on the estate. Not that this is a problem: in 2012 the Merlot excelled. This wine, with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, is dense and spicy, with the very low-yielding Cabernet fully ripe and giving an earnest backbone to some high quality Merlot. This is perhaps not a traditional Montrose, but it is certainly a beguiling one.
{***} {region}St Estèphe{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2012{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 93/100
[]Wine Spectator:: 90-93/100
[]Robert Parker:: 92-94/100
[]Jancin Robinson:: 17.5+/20
{ratings} {***}
2012 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheSt Estèphe2012 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheBottle Price 75cl $730.00 -
2005 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheAs big as ever, Montrose has made a real tour de force in 2005, although it is very much an iron fist in a velvet glove. It is a dense wine with enormous tannins, but the latter are cloaked by sweet, concentrated, ripe cassis and plum fruits. It is only on the incredibly long finish (a real feature of the 2005s) that they really reveal themselves, but even then they are very fine. This is not just a brute though, it has great charm and grace. The 65% Cabernet Sauvignon really comes through and helps give the wine that wonderful earthy St Estèphe personality.
{***} {region}St Estèphe{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}1996{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 97/100
[]Robert Parker:: 94+/100
[]Jancin Robinson:: 18.5/20
{ratings} {***}
2005 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheSt Estèphe2005 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheBottle Price 75cl $1,315.00 -
1989 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheFor many years I have vehemently argued that the 1989 Montrose is a benchmark wine for the estate. Having tasted it several times over the last couple of months, I have never found a single occasion to alter that view. Tasted at the vertical in London, it continues to shine, having never lost any of its luster in recent years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was picked from 11 to 28 September. Lucid in color, the aromatics do not hold back with vibrant blackberry, blueberry and black truffle, hints of sous-bois, all with sensational precision that few can match in this vintage (indeed, its precision lends it a veneer of modernity since precision is now more commonplace across Bordeaux). The palate is brilliantly balanced with filigree tannin. There is wonderful backbone here, extremely fresh and tensile, crystalline even with an exceptional detail, mineral-rich finish that lingers in the mouth. Difficult to fault, this might well be the greatest 1989 Montrose that I have tasted, and certainly wishing to take nothing away from the 1990 Montrose that I tasted alongside, the 1989 is now the one I would pick. Is this the greatest Saint Estphe of the 1980s? I would put it within the top five Bordeaux of the 1980s. Could this be inching its way to perfection??? - Neal Martin (Tasted June 2016)
{***} {region}St Estèphe{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} {vintage}1989{vintage} {ratings} []The Wine Advocate:: 100/100 {ratings} {***}
1989 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheSt Estèphe1989 Ch. Montrose, St EstèpheBottle Price 75cl $4,725.00 -
2003 Ch. Calon-Ségur, St Estèphe
This beautiful 2003 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, a vigorous youthfulness, and plenty of mulberry, black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with notions of cedarwood, baking spices and roasted herbs. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, fresh and precise, this wine is just hitting full maturity where it should remain for another 10-15 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 28/08/2014{***} {region}St Estèphe{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2003{vintage} {ratings} []Wine Advocate:: 93/100
[]Robert Parker:: 94/100
{ratings} {***}
2003 Ch. Calon-Ségur, St EstèpheSt Estèphe2003 Ch. Calon-Ségur, St EstèpheBottle Price 75cl $958.00 -
2010 Essence de Dourthe, Bordeaux (Gift Box)
This is a powerful expression of this great vintage. Hugely rich, concentrated and with layers of black-plum fruits, the wine is dense and full of spice and balanced acidity. It is still a young wine, typical of the vintage at this stage. Drink this wine from 2021.
{***}{region}Bordeaux{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} {vintage}2010{vintage} {ratings} [] Wine Enthusiast:: 94/100 {ratings} {***}
2010 Essence de Dourthe, Bordeaux (Gift Box)Bordeaux2010 Essence de Dourthe, Bordeaux (Gift Box)Bottle Price 75cl $830.00