Bordeaux , France

One of the most important wine regions of the world, Bordeaux is a powerhouse producer of wines of all colors, sweetness levels, and price points. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a coastal pine forest, this relatively flat region has a mild maritime climate, marked by cool wet winters and warm summers. Annual weather differences create significant vintage variations, making Bordeaux an exciting region to follow. One third of the good quality wine in France comes from Bordeaux. Bordeaux is 57 appellations, about 7,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 wine growers. The large diversity of Bordeaux suggests an equal diversity of soil.

The Gironde estuary, a defining feature of Bordeaux, separates most of the region into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Farther inland, where the Gironde splits into the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, the bucolic, rolling hills of the area in between, called Entre-Deux-Mers, is a source of great quality, approachable reds and whites. The Left Bank, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, contains the Médoc, Graves, and Sauternes, as well as the region’s most famous chateaux. Merlot is important here as the perfect blending grape for Cabernet Sauvignon adding plush fruit and softening Cabernet’s sometimes hefty tannins. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec may also be used in the Left Bank blends.

Merlot is the principal variety of the Right Bank; Cabernet Franc adds structure and complexity to Merlot, creating wines that are concentrated, supple, and more imminently ready for drinking, compared with their Left Bank counterparts.  Key appellations of the Right Bank include St. Émilion and Pomerol. Dry and sweet white wines are produced throughout the region from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and sometimes Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris. Some of the finest dry whites can be found in the the Graves sub- appellation of Pessac-Léognan, while Sauternes is undisputedly the gold standard for sweet wines. Small amounts of rosé and sparkling wine are made in Bordeaux as well

Clarendelle Rosé, The Dillon Family, Bordeaux, France, 2023

2023 Clarendelle Bordeaux Rosé is a brilliant, clear, pale pink colour. The nose is very complex with aromas of raspberry and pink grapefruit reminiscent of boiled sweets. The mouthfeel is dense and velvety, with a subtle tannic structure, accompanied by a lovely freshness. Red fruit notes come to the fore, mingled with hints of tropical fruit, such as lychee and mandarin orange. All in all, a very fruity and well-balanced wine underpinned by slightly salty, mineral nuances. The aromatic intensity makes for a delicious wine with a long, delicate aftertaste.

Château Malartic-Lagraviere “Reserve” Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2019

Beautifully ripe yellow citrus and Granny Smith apples with floral accents really allows this to come alive in this second wine. There is good lift and a bright bite of juicy citrus in the finish. 89-91 Pts

Château Smith Haut Lafitte “Hauts Blanc”, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2020

The 2020 Le Petit Haut Lafitte Blanc is made up of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, aging in 50% new barriques. It offers open-knit scents of fresh Bosc pears, lemongrass and green guava, plus hints of white pepper and wet slate. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and refreshing, delivering mouth-filling apple and lemon-inspired flavors with a satiny texture and zesty finish. Robert Parker 93 Points

Le C de Carmes de Haut Brion, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac·Leognan·Bordeaux, 2019

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a wine that harmonizes radiance, power, and depth.  This stunning expression of Pessac-Léognan terroir has a hefty amount of Cabernet Franc, which is unusual for the Left Bank.  The property is currently helmed by Patrice Pichet, who coveted the vineyards for many years.  After acquiring the property in 2010, he spared no expense in renovations as he wanted Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion to express the fullest potential of its terroir.  Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is, without a doubt, an extraordinary producer in its own class.

“A nose so fresh, so floral (lavender), so seductive, you can almost smell the salinity. A very fluid mouth, quite well rolled up with hints of ink. An opulent wine that needs a little time to open up. We end with accents of blue fruits, sap and blackcurrant leaves.” – Ella Lister, Le Figaro (2020), Ratings: 94, Drink:2028-2040

Amiral de Beychvelle, Château Beychvelle, St. Julien·Bordeaux, France, 2019

The 2019 wines have good, strong colors, well-defined, fresh fruit, and a more moderate alcohol content than the previous vintage; their tannic structures reveal impressive elegance and depth. The volumes harvested enabled a very rigorous selection – around 55% – to produce a grand vin in the tradition of its predecessors.Philippe Blanc, who celebrated his twenty-fifth vintage at Château Beychevelle this year, is very confident that 2019 will continue a high-quality series never previously encountered in Bordeaux and specifically at Château Beychevelle.

“Lovely intensity on the nose, aromatic and expressive. Smooth and high-toned on the palate, bright with a classy shine to the black fruits. I really love the aromatics on the profile here, you get that perfume and gloss with depth and soft tannins. Easy-drinking second wine, easy to recommend.” 93 Points Decanter Blend: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot

Le G de Estournel , Château Cos d’Estournel, Médoc·Bordeaux, France, 2019

The 2019 vintage of G d’Estournel delivers vivacity and balance; it is at once fresh and rich, vigorous and discreet. Vibrant and highly spirited, with unmistakable notes of pepper, it is a long, silky wine, whose nose of blackcurrant and violet is highlighted by aromas of eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary. 92 Points JS

Vinous – “The 2019 Goulée by Cos d’Estournel is gracious, perfumed and so elegant. Silky tannins and lifted aromatics give the 2019 a real feeling of finesse that is impossible to miss. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, spice, mint, licorice and underbrush all develop in the glass. Medium in body and all class, the Goulée is an absolute winner. The 2019 is one of the best editions of Goulée I can remember tasting. I loved it. (91-93pt)“

Clos Grangeneuve, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2019

High-toned bright cherry fruit on the nose, a sweetness to the aromas but also a perfumed quality, nicely floral. Juicy and bright on the palate, the fruit is there at the fore then comes the tannins which coat the mouth – they’re grippy and take hold though still allow some chewy fruit to linger on the mid palate. Nice structure and definition – feels like a good weight, just a hint of fullness in the ripeness and tannins that will soften.

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St. Julien, 2020

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is an expression of multiple terroirs in Ducru-Beaucaillou.  With a higher amount of Cabernet Sauvignon tempered with Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot, the wine is aged in new French oak for approximately one year.  La Croix de Beaucaillou is consistently described as powerful and aromatic, with the signature finesse of a classic Saint-Julién.  The team at Château Ducru-Beaucaillou holds this wine to the same rigorous standards as the grand vin. Like its counterpart, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou differs from some of the brawnier wines St-Julien has to offer.  There is a lean power to this wine combined with supple sophistication.  It can be enjoyed on the younger side and is a great introduction to the estate.

”The second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou matches many châteaux’s Grand Vins. Their 2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot) reveals a dense purple hue as well as full-bodied array of cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and tobacco. It has tons of minerality, a stacked mid-palate, and ripe tannins. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades.” Jeb Dunnuck, 2020 Bordeaux from Bottle (3/29/2023) Ratings: 94 Drink: 2026-2046

Château Les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac·Leognan·Bordeaux, 2020

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away. In tasting, the 2020 is simply magnificent. There are no soloists, just the most exceptionally vivid, breathtaking orchestra imaginable. The 2020 is a masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team. Don’t miss it! Vinous: 100 Points

Château Croix de Labrie, St. Émilion·Bordeaux, France, 2020

The Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Croix De Labrie is brilliant and the finest wine I’ve tasted from this estate. Dense purple-hued, with a liqueur of limestone-like minerality intermixed with ripe black cherries, boysenberry, spring flowers, and graphite, it’s full-bodied, has a wealth of fruit and texture, sweet tannins, and remarkable purity. Its oak is perfectly integrated, and it brings richness as well as an incredible sense of precision and purity. This brilliant Saint-Emilion will be drinkable in just 3-4 years and will evolve for two decades. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Best After 2026. Rating: 97+JD

Château Quintus, St. Émilion·Bordeaux, France, 2020

(JD 94-96 points) A big, velvety textured wine, especially in the vintage, the 2020 Château Quintus offers a gorgeous array of pure crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as leafy herbs, graphite, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied Saint-Emilion with a round, mouth-filling texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This estate has been firing on all cylinders of late, and this should be in the same realm as the 2016, 2018, and I suspect, the 2019. JL 96

Château Fomplegade, St. Émilion·Bordeaux, France, 2020

The showy nose wants your attention due to its essence of flowers, minerals, licorice, mint leaf, and red fruits. On the palate, the wine is silky, fresh, and vibrant. Concentrated, rich, yet elegant, and light on its feet, this is a refined wine with finesse, length, and purity which is not afraid to offer its oceanic influences along with all of its layers of perfectly ripe, red, and black fruits. This will age effortlessly for two decades or more, but you can also enjoy it in its youth, if you are like me, and can’t wait to see what it’s all about. Drink from 2025-2045.

Château La Mission Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognon, Bordeaux, 2014

This vintage was marked by a salutary, remarkable Indian summer. The 2014 Mission Haut-Brion reproduces the quintessence of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. These varietals, harvested between September 15th and October 8th, bring this Pessac-Leognan Cru Classé de Graves solidity and appeal. It is very dense and expressive on the nose; it reminds one of ripe black fruits and roasted notes. The attack is fresh and strength leads to roundness, then to the fruity finesse and complexity. The lingering and aromatic finish identifies this charming wine with character and a unique tannic smoothness.

“The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion has a sophisticated, very detailed bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and graphite. This is very focused and yet at the same time quite controlled and discrete. The palate is medium-bodied with fine taninns. 96 Vinous

La Parde Haut Bailly, Château Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognon, 2012

With perfumed spices and red fruit hints on the nose, La Parde Haut-Bailly is very soft in 2012. It is an extremely elegant second wine with balanced and silky tannins. Beautiful aromas of blackberries and plums with some mineral notes. This is a medium-bodied red combining soft tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. Second wine of Haut-Bailly. Very well done. Drink in 2018. The 2012 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. It has quite a polished and generous bouquet. It does open up nicely with hints of blood orange (possibly from the Merlot) emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft and silky entry,

Domaine Chevalier, Pessac-Leognon, Bordeaux, 2014

“The 2014 Domaine de Chevalier is a total knockout. Precise, brilliant and finely sculpted, the 2014 possesses superb intensity. Freshly cut flowers, mint and sweet red berries, along with finessed but persistent tannins, give the wine its regal personality. The 2014 needs a number of years to shed some baby fat and develop the full breadth of its aromatics, but it is a fabulous wine by any measure. The 2014 is 65 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot and 5 % Petit Verdot that spent approximately 35 days on the skins..” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (02/06/2017), Ratings: 96

Sauternes, Château Rieussec, Bordeaux, France, 2011

Layers of complex botrytis give this wine an immensely aromatic character. It is sumptuous and generous, ripe and full-bodied. The essential acidity comes through the dry structure of botrytis and sweet honey. The fruit is only just beginning to show and the wine is obviously very young. Drink from 2022. Cellar Selection. 95 Wine Enthusiast