Eclecticism defines Bordeaux, a prestigious region full to the brim with renowned châteaux. From the powerful grands crus classés of the left bank to the elegant cuvées on the other side, each of the classic area’s wines tells the story of its place, its vintage, and its grape. Most of these exceptional cuvées can be aged at great length, too.
Colourful Bordeaux
Who said that Bordeaux was the preserve of reds? Whilst these ruby cuvées are legion, they neighbour superb whites, both dry and sweet. For the former, wines from Pessac-Léognan deserve all your attention, like Château Haut-Bergey, a biodynamic favourite of the team, which should be kept in the cellar for about ten years. The same goes for the 2010 Château Haut-Brion, 2017 Domaine de Chevalier, and 2018 Château Olivier. With the end of year celebrations approaching, it’s a perfect time to fill your cellar with sweet nectars. Sipping wines par excellence, they also promise happy pairings with traditional French foie gras – ideally lifted with a chutney and/or fine spices -, a festive log with exotic fruits or, quite simply, a cheese platter. Yquem, the region’s landmark dessert wine producer, is available in many vintages. We also recommend the golden wines from Château de Fargues.
The reds in this selection come from the region’s finest appellations. From Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (Château Canon 2005 and 2001) to Côte des Francs (Les Pins 2019, the natural wine of Closerie Saint Roc), via Moulis (Chasse Spleen 2009 and Château Poujeaux in numerous vintages) and the sacrosanct Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe (Château Lafon Rochet 2018 and Château Meyney 2008), anyone who’s after a wine with ageing potential and character will be satisfied.
Bordeaux and its prestige
Because our idea of Bordeaux is built around its dreamy châteaux, let’s take a look at the great names that populate this selection. Cheval Blanc (1990 and 2010) in Saint-Emilion, the delicate wines of Smith Haut-Lafitte (2009 and 2015) in Pessac-Léognan and the extravagant Cos d’Estournel in Saint-Estèphe.
Far from belonging to any classification, other wines, at pleasing prices, can be just as attractive. A delicious Pomerol for less than €30? Try Château Taillefer, a renowned Saint-Emilion, or Petit Figeac, the second wine of Château Figeac, which, after all, is not small at all! On the left bank, we still praise the merits of Haut-Marbuzet’s 2010 vintage. Also take a look at the gems that can be savoured today in good company. Among them, the wine of Châteaux Alcée and Puygueraud.
2015, 2018 and 2019, star vintages
If you know anything about Bordeaux vintages, you’ll understand that 2015 deserves your full attention. Discover the wines of Château Canon, Ferrand and La Violette from this excellent year. 2018 can also boast a nice profile and can here be enjoyed through the vintages of Château de Pressac, Quinault l’Enclos and Siran. As for 2019, this vintage is currently reserved for only the most patient of wine lovers. Our recommendations? The Emilien and Barthélemy cuvées from Château Le Puy, Les Noyers and Les Pins from Closerie Saint-Roc as well as Les Closeries des Moussis.
