Bordeaux

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 89 points and Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) (see link below).

Chateau Beaumont. Haut-Medoc 2015 - Decanter review

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"Seriously savory and texturally complex, this is a powerful wine that’s also very fresh. I love the long, crisp finish. If this had a little bit more concentration it would be sensational. Drink or hold. 92 points" James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com, February 2018

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The land for what is now this Château was in/from 1772, and the estate became the property of Henri Labarthe, who cleaned it up and prepared it for growing vines. The vineyard of Beaumont was born in 1824, with its new owner M Bonnin.

From 1830 to 1847 the house of Beaumont belonged to the Marquis d’Aligre, one of the wealthiest men in France, who tripled the area under vine. In 1849 the estate passed into the hands of the Bonnin brothers, who built Château Beaumont in 1854 in a Renaissance mansard style. In 1860, the Comte de Gennes, great-uncle of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, who won the Nobel prize for physics in 1991, acquired the property which he resold in 1872 to Jean-Victor Herran, the minister for Honduras. The Parisian industrialist Joseph Germain succeeded him in 1890. By his devotion he managed to raise the wines of Château Beaumont to the top tier of the Médoc Crus Bourgeois. He built the vat house in 1894. From 1925 to 1986, the estate saw a succession of owners: the Milanese company Della Grazia et Cie, the lieutenant-colonel of Caracas Ignacio Andrade, the former Venezuelan senator Dionisio Ramon Bolivar Carvajal and then the winegrower Bernard Soulas, who entirely reconstructed the vineyard and restored the Château. In 1986, Château Beaumont started on its 12th life with the arrival of the GMF group, which joined with Japanese group Suntory to create the company Grands Millésimes de France, also owner of Château Beychevelle and the Bordeaux merchant Barrière Frères.

Château  Beaumont lays claim to some 105 hectares of vineyards; the blend typically is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, with a small proportion of Cabernet Franc and/or Petit Verdot. The wines are matured in French oak barriques (typically, 30-40% of which are new oak) for between 12 and 18 months, varying with the vintage.

The wines of Château Beaumont can be appreciated for their fruit when they are still very young or can be cellared for fifteen or so years, when they reveal all their complexity. Blossoming on the gravel hilltops, the Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its structure, the Merlot its smoothness and the Petit Verdot its sparkle. Coming from young vines, these grapes are vinified in a special way to give delicious wines with generous fruit. This wine can be appreciated in its youth.

For much more detail on the 2015, see the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the Château themselves.

Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc 2015  - fiche technique

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot.

Great intensity. Very deep colour with garnet reflections. The nose is very open and inviting with soft oaky notes of vanilla and spice bringing out the red fruits such as blackcurrant and black cherry. The attack on the palate is smooth and fresh. The tannic development is of great quality, with fatness giving real mouthfeel. The lightly oaked fruit aromas are very elegant and contribute to the fine aromatic persistence.

ABV = 14.0%.

Beau-Site means beautiful site and lies just behind Grand Cru Château Calon-Segur on one of Medoc's highest points with fantastic views over the river Gironde. It was originally classified as a Cru Bourgeoius Superieur in 1932 but in 1966 Beau Site was reclassified as a Cru Grand Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The Castéja family, who also own Château Batailley and Château Trotte Vieille, bought the château in 1955. The château has nearly 100 hectares of vines with an average age of 35 years. Beau-Site's 18th-century underground cellar is one of the oldest in the Médoc and presents the perfect maturing conditions for a wine that is vinified with the same care and technique as a Grand Cru Classé. Beau-Sites wine is full of power and temperament, a typical Saint-Estèphe with tannins allowing for stocking this wine for some years.

The vineyard sits on predominantly gravel soil which provides good drainage for the vines. The vines, which have an average age of 36 years, are trained according to the double Guyot method and are planted at a density of 5,500 per hectare. The average yields are 40 hectolitres per hectare.

The grapes were manually sorted and destemmed before being gently pressed. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for four weeks, with each plot vinified separately. Malolactic fermentation took place in the stainless steel tanks. The wine was then matured in French oak 225-litre barriques for a period of 16 months.

Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Merlot 30%

Classic and traditionally styled Saint-Estèphe showing cedar oak with earthy hints of dark chocolate and a meaty texture. The majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend yields a wine with ripe blackcurrant, cedar tree and earthy aromas. Notes of cherry, cranberry, spice and hints of liquorice continue on the palate which is enveloped in smooth, ripe tannins. This wine shows lovely balance, depth and structure with an elegant finish.

ABV = 13.0%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 90 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in their January 2019 edition panel tasting review of Haut-Medoc Bordeaux 2010 (see blue link below). 

Chateau Bernadotte Cru Bourgeois 2010 - January 2019 Decanter review

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"Strong new-wood aromas lead to a palate that is layered with firm tannins, a polished toast character and a sufficient ripe blackberry flavour to balance. This 2010 bottling shows that this is a chateau to watch. 92 points." Wine Enthusiast. 

It has also received strong reviews from Wine Spectator (90 points) and James Suckling (90 points).

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Formerly known as Chateau Fournas, this estate was renamed Bernadotte in 1997 after a past owner, Marshal Bernadotte, who was the Sovereign Prince under the rule of Napoleon I.  Madame de Lencquesaing, owner of Chateau Pichon Lalande at the time, acquired Chateau Bernadotte in 1997 and proceeded to renovate every aspect of the estate.  

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 88 points and Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) (see link below).

Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis 2015 - Decanter review

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"This delivers a stylish impression from the get-go with a really nicely focused dark berry nose and hints of fresh pastry. The palate has a smooth array of bright blackberry and plum fruits with smoothly cut tannins that layer up nice and even. Classy. Best from 2022. 94 points". James Suckling, james.suckling.com, February 2018.

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"The pure red-fruit flavors of this wine shoot through the firm tannins to give freshness while allowing plenty of space for the development of the tannins. It is a wine that shows both the fruit and the structure of the vintage. 92-94 points". Wine Enthusiast, April 2016. 

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Château  Chasse-Spleen was originally one piece of a much larger estate in Haut-Médoc called Chateau Grand-Poujeaux.  There was a split in 1822, and what was once Grand-Poujeaux became 4 smaller estates: Chateau Gressier-Grand-Poujeaux, Chateau Poujeaux-Theil, Chateau Maucaillou, and Chateau Chasse-Spleen.

The origins of the name “Chasse-Spleen” are foggy, but often attributed to Lord Byron who visited the estate in 1821. Byron was so moved during his stay that he was quoted as exclaiming, “Quel remede pour chasser le spleen!” or (loosely): “What better remedy to dispel melancholy!”

Chateau Chasse Spleen was owned by the Castaing family until the start of World War I when it was purchased by a German wine merchants. It was later confiscated as enemy property during the war and sold at an auction in 1922 to the Lahary family.

In 1976, the estate was bought by the Merlaut family, owners of Chateau Gruaud Larose, Chateau Ferriere, Chateau Citran, and Chateau Haut Bages Liberal, as well as a successful négociant business. Under the management of patriarch Jacques Merlaut and his daughter, Bernadotte Villars, several changes were made: the production area was increased from 40 to 80 hectares, large portions of the vines were replanted to increase vine density, and the wine making facilities were modernized.

Jacques’ daughter Bernadette later assumed control of Chateau Chasse Spleen, and with consultation from Emile Peynaud, the quality of the wines produced went up considerably.  Bernadette and her husband sadly passed away in 1992 after a mountaineering accident, and management of the estate was passed on to her daughter, Claire Villars.

Chasse-Spleen was a Cru Bourgeois until 2003, when the Chateau elected to leave the classification for political reasons. 

The Chateau's vineyards feature a mix of varieties thus: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot

Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old.

Plantation Density: 8,000-10,000 vines per hectare.

Vinification: Vinified in a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat.

Aging: In French oak barrels (40% new) for 12-15 months before bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 8-15 years.

Annual Production: About 40,000 cases.

For more detail on this this, the 2015, see the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the winemakers themselves.

Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis 2015 - fiche technique

Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 42%, Petit Verdot 5%, Cabernet Franc 3%.

This is a wine with finesse and medium body. Red and black fruits in good balance fruits dominate the nose, along with the aromas of vanilla and toastiness from the oak barrels. On the palate, there are also flavours of cocoa/chocolate. The wine has a beautiful intensity and fine length.

The 2015 vintage is delicious now for lovers of more untamed wines, but will be even better after a few years in the cellar. 

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

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Awarded 92 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in July 2020 (see link below).

Chateau Cissac, Haut-Medoc 2016 - July 2020 Decanter review

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Château Cissac is located right in the heart of the Médoc region. Its exceptional terroir adjoins that of the prestigious Saint-Estèphe and Pauillac appellations, extending over an area of around a hundred hectares. The soil is mainly sandy gravel on top of clay and limestone, and the vineyards occupy a single tract of land which is sheltered by the village of Cissac and the forests which surround it. In keeping with Médoc tradition, the vineyards are mainly planted with their traditional variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety is ideally suited to the type of terroir in Cissac, where its strength and aromas can realise their full potential. Blended with elegant Merlots and spicy Petit Verdots, Cissac's Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines that are particularly complex and expressive.

For winemaking detail and a tasting note, see the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the Château themselves.

Chateau Cissac 2016 - fiche technique

58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot.

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 96 points and Outstanding status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in November 2018 (see link below).

Chateau Clerc Milon, 5eme CC, Pauillac, 2015 - Nov 2018 Decanter review

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"Extremely floral with blackberry and blueberry character plus hints of violets. Full-bodied yet always in check and reserve with fine tannins and bright acidity that goes on for minutes. Limestone undertones. The finish is particularly long this vintage. Super Clerc. Try in 2021. 95 points" James Suckling, www.jamesauckling.com, February 2018.

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 "Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Muted, but well-behaved nose. Rather sumptuous texture and fine tannins. A fine-boned wine offering real enjoyment quite early. Drink 2023-2040. 17 points". Jancis Robinson, www.JancisRobinson.com, February 2019.

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A legendary terroir, prestigious neighbours, a providential encounter: the history and the success of Château Clerc Milon are summed up in these three words. The terroir is that of Pauillac, where some of the world’s finest wines are made. The neighbours are Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild, illustrious First Growths whose nearby vines can be seen from the terrace of the Château. The encounter was with Baron Philippe Rothschild, who in 1970 acquired the then badly neglected estate and decided to restore Château Clerc Milon to its status as a Cru Classe.

A wine with considerable ageing potential made in the traditional Médoc way, Château Clerc Milon is the result of a particularly successful marriage between gravel and clay-limestone terroirs and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Powerful, tannic, full-bodied and rich in fruit, it also has all the typical elegance of the finest Pauillac wines.

In terms of the weather, although 2015 was slightly warmer than average, it was above all very dry (706 mm of rain, compared with an annual average of 862 mm), especially between February and July, from budbreak to veraison. As a result the berries remained small, which explains why the yield was rather low. Rainfall in August and September was higher than average, which helped to prevent the ripening process from coming to a halt in a vineyard already stressed by the lack of water. As a result, the grapes matured at rather different rates from one plot to another, according to the variety, the age of the vines and the terroir. In order to ensure that each grape variety and each plot was picked at optimum maturity, the harvest period was the longest in living memory. It lasted 23 days between the Chateau's three estates, from the first Merlot clusters on 14 September to the last Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on 6 October.

Maturation was in oak casks (30% new) for 18 months.

According to the Château, the 2015 vintage in Pauillac is very similar in its heft and opulence to the 2005 vintage. They say: "the tannins are generally very well-rounded, dense and seamlessly smooth. After blending, the wines still have the same aromatic intensity and complex, full-bodied structures which barrel-maturing should further enhance".

Cabernet Sauvignon 51%, Merlot 34%, Cabernet Franc 13%, Petit Verdot 1% and Carmenere 1%.

The wine is a crystal-clear garnet red with violet highlights. The fresh and elegant nose exudes ripe morello cherry aromas, followed by subtle notes of liquorice and toast to complete a rich and complex yet light and airy bouquet. Initially refined and silky, the palate gathers power on finely chiselled tannins wrapped in crisp flavours of red fruit, dark chocolate and dried flowers. The rich and harmonious palate leads into a stylish and succulent finish with a slightly minty freshness.

ABV = 13.5%.

Created in the 15th century, Château de Pez is the oldest domain in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, who also created Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards. The domain was sold as a property of the state after the French Revolution and was owned by a succession of families before Champagne Louis Roederer purchased it in 1995.

The Château de Pez estate covers more than 26 hectares. The wines are left to ferment in traditional oak vats before being blended, and left to develop for a period of 16 to 18 months in oak barrels, 40 percent of them new.

The month of June saw ideal conditions for ripening although July and August were much more dreary. September, on the other hand, brought a glorious and endless Indian Summer. These weather conditions, much appreciated in Bordeaux, laid the foundations for this classic and highly promising vintage. The harvesting lasted 5 long weeks as we harvested each parcel at optimum ripeness. This vintage gave powerful, generous and very expressive Merlots, distinctive and elegant Cabernet Sauvignons and exceptionally complex Cabernet Francs and Petit Verdots. The wines are powerful, voluptuous, rich and well-balanced.

The Château de Pez winery remains resolutely faithful to wood. The blend is composed in December, then the wine is stored in barrels (40% new wood, 40% in “premier vin” casks and 20% in “deuxième vin” casks) and racked every three months. Vatting: 22-30 days. It is to be noted that the wine undergoes absolutely no filtration. The wines of Château de Pez have an attractive tannic structure worthy of further ageing. They are sometimes referred to as the ‘Pomerols’ of St-Estèphe, in part due to the smooth roundness brought to the wine by the Merlot vines grown on the exceptional soils. They tend to be dark in colour and have great length, body and distinction and are best appreciated after 5+ years.

This wine is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot.

Complex nose of spice and red fruits. Long palate with smooth, elegant tannins and notes of black fruits and ripe, juicy strawberries. Pairs well with lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle, chocolate.

ABV = 13.5%.

Based in Pessac-Leognan on the left bank of Bordeaux, the elegant and noble Château de Rouillac is imbued with a historic past. In the 19th century Château de Rouillac was owned by Baron Haussmann, who produced a delicious wine which is said to have delighted Napoleon III. The current proprietor Laurent Cisneros and his family took up the reins of this magnificent property in 2009, passionately championing sustainable and environmental practices. The property has had a long association with horses and possesses beautiful stables; Titan their huge and impressive horse is still used today to plough the exceptional gravel soils in the vineyard. Renowned oenologist Eric Boissenot produces wines which are delicately blended with the utmost precision to reveal their optimum expression.

The property is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation and is right at the entrance to the city of Bordeaux. The vineyard sits on an exceptional terroir of gravel. The estate covers 36 hectares of which 26 hectares are planted with vines. The vines are cultivated sustainably, with respect for the environment and the biodiversity on the estate. Herbicides are not employed; instead the vineyard is cultivated in the traditional manner. The grapes are manually harvested.

2012 was a challenging vintage characterised by high rainfall. However, a hot, dry period during the summer promoted the growth cycle and ripening of the grapes. 2012 was a grower’s vintage; meticulous work in the vineyard reduced the risks of disease pressure and allowed for a harvest of good quality. Harvest dates were carefully chosen, resulting in good quality fruit with silky tannins. Harvest took place 1st to 12th October 2012.

Fermentation and maceration of the skins took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, lasting for 20 to 25 days. During vinification daily pump-overs and punching down of the cap took place in order to extract colour and tannins; and impart structure and flavour. 100% of the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, one third of which was new and the wine underwent malolactic fermentation; two thirds of the wine were aged in barrels of one year.

Cabernet Sauvignon 58%, Merlot 42%.

A concentrated deep red wine, with ripe red and black fruit flavours enhanced by spicy notes of cloves and subtle truffle flavours. Silky smooth on the palate with fine and elegant tannins and a long, succulent finish.

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 88 points and Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in May 2018 (see link below).

Chateau Fourcas-Dupre, Cru Bourgeois, Listrac 2015 - May 2018 Decanter review

Château Fourcas-Dupré is is a 44-hectare property located in the Listrac commune of Bordeaux, which is well-known as an area rich in hidden gems that rival higher-priced bottles from the Left Bank of the Gironde. 

Château  Fourcas-Dupré was started in 1843 by Jean Baptiste Dupre, attorney of the Court of Bordeaux, upon the site of an old vineyard originally established in the middle ages crossed by the ancient Roman road known as la levade. In the early 20th century, it was a Premier Cru de Listrac. In 2006, a new classification system was made official forcing all wineries in the area into the 'simple' Cru Bourgeois. This resulted in the best Crus Bourgeois wineries leaving the classification in favor of the Union des Grands Crus which currently includes 85% of the classified growths. The estate vineyard has one of the highest concentrates of gravel from the Pyrenees, (80%). You find these soil compositions in Moulis, Margaux, and Pessac Leognan. The vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (44%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The average age of the vines is over 30 years and the density of the planting is 8300 per hectare. The wine making is done by the chateau owners, the Pages brothers, with consulting from Eric Boissenot, whose other clients include Lafite, Mouton, Haut Brion and Latour.

Its premier wine is a blend of 44% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot contributing complexity and structure.

The wine pours a deep garnet color, with aromatics of blackberry, spice, cigar box and fresh asphalt. The palate currently shows ripe fruits such as plum and currant, with well-integrated oak influences. This main estate wine has a complex mineral style with touches of ruby. Its personality develops with balance and smoothness. With time the sweetness and elegance of its tannins gives a remarkable balance and harmony. One finds traces of roasted coffee beans and toast that develop with time.

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

"Another property that has excelled in 2015. This is gloriously perfumed and appealing, with graphite and liquorice on the nose, followed by layers of crunchy black fruits, savoury tannins and well integrated (40% new) oak. Fresh, balanced and very long. Drink: 2022-32. 95 points" Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com, April 2016.

"What a gorgeous and supple young wine with ultra-fine tannins and vivid acidity. Medium to full body and direct and driven tannins. Shows such beauty. Better in 2020 but already beautiful. 94 points". James Suckling, www.JamesSuckling.com, February 2018.

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Château Gloria is an unclassified Bordeaux wine from the Saint-Julien appellation. The winery is located in the central part of France’s Bordeaux wine region Haut-Médoc, in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle. Regarded as a well-made wine with the best characteristics of Saint-Julien, it is estimated by many on a par with the Classed Growths. The Château also produces a second wine from its younger vines, Château Peymartin.

A relatively young estate, Château Gloria was founded and assembled by Monsieur Henri Martin who established the reputation of Gloria within the space of a generation. With the first acquisitions of 6 hectares (15 acres) of vines in 1942, and purchase of the chai of Château Saint-Pierre, Martin added to the estate over the years with land bought from the surrounding classed estates, including châteaux Saint-Pierre, Beychevelle, Léoville-Poyferré, Gruaud-Larose, Léoville-Barton, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Lagrange and a Saint-Julien property of Duhart-Milon, making up its present size. The vineyard area extends 48 hectares (120 acres), with the grape variety distribution of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

An average of 20,000 cases of the grand vin are produced annually.

Matured for 14 months in 40% new and 60% one-year-old French oak barrels.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc.

A deep red-violet color. A jammy nose of red fruits. Notes of licorice and vanilla. On entering the mouth it is silky with an exceptional melting quality. Highly precise tannins with exceptional elegance and length.

ABV = 13.0%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

More than 40 years ago, the Dubard family chose to call this land home. Since 2008, the Vignobles Dubard took on a new dimension with the arrival of the second generation, Marine & Gregory Dubard, both graduated winemakers and vineyard managers. 

At Chateau La Croix Romane, the vineyards cover an area of 8.5 ha, less than 2 km from the famous Pomerol plateau. Its sandy-gravelly soil from ancient alluvium contains more or less high proportions of clay according to the plots. At the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne, the vineyards of Lalande-de-Pomerol benefit from the oceanic influence. The preponderance of watercourses, as well as the influence of the tides in these rivers has shaped a unique microclimate conducive to viticulture. The vineyards are situated on a fabulous gravelly mound containing 10% of clay soils. Manual and mechanical harvest, depending on the area.

Elimination of non-quality grapes before picking. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration (3 to 4 weeks in total) in temperature-controlled stainless vats, 12 to 18 month ageing in French oak barrels (30% are new oak).

Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 10% and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%.

A lovely classical model of Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, renowned for the feminity of its wines. Attractive notes of blackberries combine on the nose with oak, spices and a hint of leather. The palate, both smooth and tonic, very well-balanced focuses on fruit, with already mellow tannins.

ABV = 13.5%.

Awarded 88 points and Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in their April 2018 edition review of the St-Emilion satellite appellations 2015 vintage (see blue link below).

Château La Fleur Grands-Landes Montagne St. Emilion 2015 - April 2018 Decanter review

The Durand family has owned the seven hectare estate in the Montagne district since the 18th century. In 1969, M. Carrère, Mme Durand's husband took over the estate, shaping it to its current form. Since 1997, his daughter Isabelle Carrère, oenologist from Michel Rolland's team, has been running the estate having taught viticulture and oenology for 10 years.

The vines are grown on slopes in clay soils. The vineyards are carefully managed throughout the year, with debudding, manual removal of the vine-shoots, leafthinning and green harvesting all being carefully performed. Chemical fertilisers are not used; instead vegetal based compost is added moderately to the soil having monitored its equilibrium. A manual harvest takes place when the grapes are slightly overripe to get a better phenolic maturity of the skins and the pips.

Generous flowering took place followed by a hot, dry early summer. August was slightly cooler and damper, followed by good weather in September enabling the grapes to reach full maturity. Generally the harvest took place earlier than the previous year. 2015 has been cited as a great modern Bordeaux vintage of excellent quality.

The grapes were carefully sorted by hand after a total destemming on the sorting table. 20% of the wine was bled off. A cold maceration took place prior to fermentation, which lasted three to four days. The fermentation was carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, with daily pump-overs and lasted for three weeks. The wine was then matured, with 80% aged in vats and 20% in oak barrels.

Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.

A medium bodied Bordeaux , with spicy, dark fruits and herbal notes combined with earthy hints. A beautifully balanced wine with silky tannins and a light finish. A lovely match for beef wellington or barbequed chicken.

This wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

ABV = 14.0%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 94 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in January 2020 (see link below).

Chateau Lagrange, 3eme CC, St-Julien 2010 - Jan 2020 Decanter review

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“Lagrange’s relatively new winemaking team appears to have backed off the aggressive oak regime and the result is a wine with better overall balance. Still a backward, muscular/ masculine style of St Julien, it reveals abundant tannin along with a subtle hint of vanillin intermixed with lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, black currant and cassis characteristics. Although less expressive than some of its 2010 peers, it is a big, powerful, rich wine that needs a decade of cellaring. It should last for 30 years. Drink: 2021-2051. 89-92 points". Wine Advocate, 5th Jan, 2011.

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"Loads of tension and form. It can be cellared for decades, but it's balanced and beautiful already. Lots of blueberry, licorice and blackberry character. Try in 2018. 96 points". James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, July 2014.

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The estate was classified a third growth in 1855 thanks to the efforts and the vision of Count Dûchatel, who owned Lagrange from 1842 to 1874. He built a network of drains and extended the estate to 280 hectares, including 120 of vines. As Minister of the Interior during the reign of King Louis-Philippe and a member of the Academy of Fine Arts, he spread Lagrange’s reputation far and wide.

In 1983, the Suntory group, the leading Japanese wine and spirits firm, acquired Lagrange and invested heavily in a spectacular renovation. Priority was given to the vineyard, followed by refurbishing and modernising the vat room and cellars. The efforts undertaken in the 1980s continue to the present day: work in the vineyard is done with great attention to detail and each plot is treated individually. The grapes are then fermented separately in order to fine tune and obtain the best possible final blend. The resulting wine is powerful, elegant, and the epitome of a great Saint-Julien.

Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 25%.

Deep and intense colour, red and black fruits aromas, toasted and vanilla notes. In the nose, impression of freshness. Attack very firm in the mouth and increasing with an exceptional tannic richness. Powerful, smooth and harmonious tannins.

ABV = 13.0%.

Château Lamothe-Bouscaut is located in the village of Cadaujac and dates back to the 12th century. In 1999 it was acquired by its neighbour, Château Bouscaut, owned by Sophie Lurton and Laurent Cogombles. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown on the deep gravelly soils are on average 35 years old. The vineyards are sustainably managed and pruning is carried out by hand by five vineyard workers on the nine-hectare estate.

The rich, plush palate of Château Lamothe-Bouscaut is a result of a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks and then aged for 12 months in oak, 45% of which is new.

Surprisingly approachable for its age, this Pessac-Léognan is ripe, generous, and an excellent example of a fruit-forward modern Bordeaux that is delicious to drink.

Surprisingly approachable for its age, this Pessac-Léognan is ripe and generous and an excellent example of a fruit forward modern Bordeaux that is delicious to drink.

ABV = 13.0%.

Château Lamothe-Bouscaut is located in the village of Cadaujac and dates back to the 12th century. In 1999 it was acquired by its neighbour, Château Bouscaut, owned by Sophie Lurton and Laurent Cogombles. The vineyards measure a total of nine hectares and are mainly comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted on well draining, deep gravelly soils and are on average 40 years old. The vineyards are farmed sustainably and pruning is carried out by hand by five vineyard workers. Vines are trained using the simple Guyot system and fruit is harvested manually.

The 2016 vintage began with a rainy winter which replenished water reserves in the soil. Flowering and fruit set occurred without issue and the bunches were well distributed. The soil water reserves sustained the vines through what was a very warm and dry summer, with record temperatures in August. However, temperatures cooled off in September and the grapes underwent a slow ripening during the final stages of the growing cycle and the harvest was slightly later than usual. The grapes harvested were of excellent quality with great concentration of flavour balanced by a vibrant acidity.

The grapes were gently de-stemmed and crushed before fermentation took place temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with regular punch downs and pump overs. After fermentation the wine was then transferred to French oak barrels, 45% of which were new, where it was aged for 12 months.

53% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Deep ruby in colour. On the nose intense aromas of plum, blackcurrant and bramble are married with notes of cedar and spice. Firm but velvety tannins on the palate and a well-integrated acidity carry the flavours onto the long finish and give this wine great potential for ageing.

ABV = 14.0%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 94 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in January 2020 (see link below).

Chateau Langoa Barton, 3eme CC, St-Julien 2010 - Dec 2017 Decanter review

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"Another wine showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, the 2010 Langoa Barton has the typical structured, dense style, but just as I thought earlier on, it is a much softer and more developed wine than one ordinarily expects from proprietor Anthony Barton. It is full-bodied and impressively endowed with subtle oak, rich cassis fruit and notes of new saddle leather, forest floor, cedar wood and spice box. Full, authoritative and dense, this wine should be at its best between 2018 and 2035" 93+ points". Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, February 2013.

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Château  Langoa Barton is a Classified 3rd Growth (3eme Cru Classe) estate in the appellation of St. Julien, situated on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.

In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Château Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth/Deuxieme Cru Classe in 1855.

In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction.

Château Langoa Barton covers some 25 hectares of vineyards, planted with ~60% Cabernet Sauvignon, ~30% Merlot and ~10% Cabernet Franc. The vines have an average age of 35 years; the Langoa Barton terroir comprises mainly gravel and clay soils.

Château Langoa Barton's wines are made by traditional vinification: alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (generally combined) take place in large (200-hectolitre) wooden vats. The wines are aged in French oak 225-litre barriques - some 60% typically being new - for around 16 to 18 months, varying with the vintage.

Each year, some 90,000 bottles of the Château Langoa Barton Grand Vin wine are produced, along with the Chateau's second wine, the  Lady Langoa. The wines of Château Langoa Barton are famed for their formidable ageing potential, reaching a peak maturity some 12 to 25  years from vintage.

Harvested from 28 September to 8 October 2010. 

Cabernet Sauvignon 73%, Merlot 17%, Cabernet Franc 10%.

To quote Decanter: The top class oak is still present for the moment, with floral notes and a touch of acacia peeking through. Perfect balance, full and lush, rounded off with long, tasty tannins.

ABV = 13.0%.

Reviewed by Decanter in their July 2019 Bordeaux supplement, in the article "My favourite Everyday Claret" (see blue link below).

Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Haut-Medoc 2014 - July 2019 Decanter review

Château Larose-Trintaudon dates back to 1719, but it wasn't until 1838 when Henry Delaroze, Mayor of Saint-Laurent, planted a vineyard on a gravelly mound in a place called 'Trintaudon' that its winemaking history began. The history remained the same as its sibling Larose Perganson, because it formed part of Jean-Pierre du Pontent's, acquisitions in 1719, when he was Counselor to the King of France. During the subsequent years, the property fell victim to phylloxera and neglect and it wasn't until 1963, when Professor Emile Peynaud was brought in to replant the vineyards, that the Château achieved the reputation that it has today.

Nestled between the communes of Saint-Julien-de-Beychevelle and Pauillac, the 190-hectare vineyard of Château Larose Trintaudon is planted upon one of the oldest layers of Médoc gravel, called the 'Pyrenean layer'. Situated on the borders of the Pauillac and Saint-Julien Appellations, it benefits from very similar growing conditions as its neighbour Château Latour. The soil is mainly composed of fine and sandy gravels on top of a clay-based limestone soil. The vines are 28 years old on average with a planting density of 6,600 vines per hectare. The team green harvests every Spring to ensure that grape bunches hang separately, allowing air to circulate around each one, and to control yields.

An exceptionally cold and damp summer threatened the 2014 vintage. However, an unseasonably warm and dry autumn brought fruit back on track, which resulted in perfumed and high acidity in the wines. The reds are fresh, medium bodied with supple tannins and perfect for both early drinking and cellaring.

The wine, a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, was fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the primary fruit aromas. It was then aged in oak for 12 to 16 months of which 50% was new, adding complexity and roundness to this structured and elegant wine.

This wine is very deep, intense ruby in colour with violet hues. On the palate, sweet spices of vanilla, cinnamon and ginger entwine with flavours of dates and dried figs. A racy, incredibly full-bodied and wellstructured wine with enormous density and power. Infinite length on the palate with excellent balance between fruit, tannins and acidity.

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 94 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in January 2020 (see link below).

Chateau Lascombes, 2eme CC, Margaux 2010 - Jan 2020 Decanter review

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"The wine hits all cylinders in 2010. The average alcohol for the bottled wine is 14%. It has a gorgeously sweet nose of creme de cassis, spring flowers, subtle barbecue smoke and charcoal followed by full body, beautiful intensity, great purity, stature and length. The influence of any oak is minimal, despite the fact that 90% new French oak was used. Needless to say, this is an example of modern-styled winemaking at it's finest, and arguments that such wines will not age well, do not represent their terroir , and are soul-less, are totally groundless. Give it 5 or so years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years. This is one of the great Margaux wines of the vintage. Probably the greatest Lascombes made to date. 96 points". Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, March 2013.

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From the 17th century to the modern day, ten generations of owners have succeeded each other and left their stamp upon the history of Château Lascombes. A destiny paved along its way with colourful characters, who all contributed to the excellence of the wines of  Château Lascombes.  

Combining power and elegance, smoothness and tannins, Château Lascombes is a wine of great complexity. In its youth, its depth of colour never fails to impress. Finesse and softness on the palate are complemented by stylish, fine-grained tannins. Château Lascombes should be enjoyed as it ages over the years to enable full appreciation of its aromatic complexity and the development of its ever-more suave structure in the bottle.

The wine is aged in French oak barriques (typically 60% new oak) for 18 months.

Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 40%, Petit Verdot 5%.

At first discreet, the nose bursts with black fruit aromas after swirling the glass. A wonderful array of very ripe fruit, such as blackberries, sun-drenched cherries with chocolate and mocha notes coming through. Great aromatic complexity and lovely finesse. A fresh, soft entry on the palate. All the power and structure is counter-balanced by the roundness, flesh, vivacity and elegance of the flavours. Against its velvet backdrop the fullness of the wine comes immediately centre-stage, showcasing its tight-knit, fine-grained tannic structure, the hallmark of this 2010 vintage. Black fruit and spice flavours follow, and the finish is amazingly long.

Cellaring: the Château say 2020-2047.

ABV = 14.0%.

 ** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

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Awarded 95 points and Outstanding status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) (see link below).

Chateau Leoville Barton, 2eme CC, St-Julien 2016 - Decanter review

- Wine Spectator 97 points (Wine #1 top 100, 2019)

- James Suckling 97 points

"The 2016 Léoville-Barton is fabulous. A wine of breadth and power, the 2016 has so much to offer. The black cherry, chocolate, gravel, smoke and licorice flavors are all boldly sketched. A host of expressive savory and mineral notes develop into the substantial finish. Drink: 2026-2046. 96 points" - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, (Jan 2019).

"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Barton delivers a superstar nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and blueberry compote with suggestions of fragrant earth, unsmoked cigars, licorice and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive with firm yet velvety tannins, it has a decadently rich finish. Drink: 2021-2046. 95+ points" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (30/11/18, issue 230).

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The Barton family's passion for wine is reflected in the elegance and consistency of Château Léoville Barton. This estate was classified as a 2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855 and lies within the iconic terroir of Saint Julien in the Médoc.

When the Marquis de Las-Cases-Beauvoir fled France during the Revolution, his Léoville estate was seized with an eye to selling it off. In the end, only a quarter was sold (although a further division occured a few years later), and this was purchased by Hugh Barton who had acquired the neighbouring estate of Château Pontet-Langlois (and re-named it Langoa-Barton) a few years earlier in 1821. The Barton's ownership of Langoa is the longest ownership by one family of any estate in the Médoc.

Hugh's original intention, so it is said, in purchasing a portion of the Léoville estate was to sell it back to the emigré Marquis, but he was an emigré Marquis without sufficient means and the estate stayed with the Barton family, becoming Château Léoville Barton. There was no château attached and the wines were, and still are, made across at Langoa.

Léoville Barton has 51 hectares in production, the vineyard is of top-class deep gravels - part of the bank that is closest to the Gironde, continuing southward from Las Cases and Poyferré, with Ducru Beaucaillou beyond - with clay underneath. It is densely planted with around 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and most of the rest being Merlot.

For the 2016: Harvested 29th September to 1st October (Merlot), then from 5th to 13th October (Cab Sauv). 

Elevage in 50-60% new (French oak) barriques for 18 months.

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Merlot 14%.

Intense ruby colour, the nose reveals vivid notes of black fruits (black cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry) with a touch of ink. The mouth is ample, powerful and you feel the freshness of the red fruits. The tannins are delicate with a long finish.

ABV = 13.0%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

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"This is so on it with velvety tannins and rich fruit. So much fun to taste. Generous and exotic. 92- 93 points". James Suckling, www.JamesSuckling.com, March 2016

"The 2015 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on gravel/clayey soil, picked from September 15-22 and October 6 respectively, then matured in 45% new oak. The new wood is seamlessly integrated into this Lalande-de-Pomerol, more broody and introspective than the La Chenade at the moment, but very well defined. The palate is beautifully proportioned with crisp tannin, a fine line of acidity, somehow gentle and understated on the finish, but very long in the mouth. Yet another ridiculously fine wine to load up on, courtesy of Denis Durantou. Drink 2018-2035. 91-93 points" Neal Martin in Wine Advocate number 224, April 2016.

Awarded 95 points and Outstanding status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in June 2018 in their article, 30 Top Bordeaux Wines Under £30 (see link below).

Chateau Les Cruzelles, Lalande-de-Pomerol, 2015 - Decanter review

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Chateau Les Cruzelles lies in the appellation of Lalande de Pomerol and was owned by Denis Durantou (until he recent death; it remains with the Duranto family). He purchased the chateau in 2000, but/and was better known for owning one of the top estates in Pomerol, Chateau L'Eglise Clinet.

Located in the commune of Neac, the terroir of Chateau Les Cruzelles shares many similarities with that of  L’Eglise Clinet due to its rich, clay and gravel soil. However, the soils for Les Cruzelles have more gravel with less clay than are encountered at its Pomerol counterpart.

The Les Cruzelles vineyards are only about 1 kilometer from Chateau L’Eglise Clinet. The 10-hectare vineyards of Les Cruzelles are planted with ~60% Merlot and ~40% Cabernet Franc. 

Recent vintages have seen Merlot comprise as much as 80% to 90% of the blend, with the Cabernet Franc ranging from 10% to 20%. For the vinification of Chateau Les Cruzelles, the wine is fermented in tank. The wine is then aged in ~50% new, French oak barrels before bottling (it is 45% in this vintage).

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.

To quote Neal Martin from 2018, by way of a tasting note, "The 2015 Les Cruzelles has a fragrant, pure and winsome bouquet with joyful dark cherry and crushed strawberry aromas. It has clearly lost the bashfulness it showed in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well balanced with succulent, brambly red fruit mixed with truffle and a hint of black olive".

ABV = 14.5%.

In 1875, the year of his marriage, J. Petit-Laroche offered his wife the construction of a fine residence opposite his Médoc cellars as a wedding gift. The result was the Château as we know it today. At the same time, J. Petit-Laroche created a new wine estate in the localities of Maucaillou and Caubet, with an area of 1.5 ha, named Chateau Maucaillou. Maucaillou means mauvais cailloux, French for 'bad stone', as the term was understood by the farmers of the middle ages, given that this type of gravel plot was not suitable for growing cereal, the main source of livelihood at the time. It was later discovered that such gravel outcrops constituted an ideal terroir for highly expressive vineyards.

In 1929, Roger and André Dourthe purchased Caves et Entrepots de Moulis, located next to the railway station of Moulis-en-Médoc, to ensure easier shipment of wines throughout France and Europe. They became the owners of Chateau Maucaillou (2.5 ha, with half of the vineyard in red varieties and the other half in white varieties). In 2006, Pascal Dourthe became the manager of ChateauMaucaillou , supported by his two sisters, Caroline and Magali.

The Moulis vineyards are the oldest in the Médoc, with traces found in title deeds dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The terroirs on which the 63 hectares of Château Maucaillou vineyards grow consist of fine quaternary alluvium outcrops, a large part of which stems from the Güntz Garonne gravel stratum, at the origin of the Great Classified Crus of the Médoc. This gravel, with its big shiny stones, reflects the rays of the summer sun onto the grapes, thereby enhancing their perfect ripeness, an essential condition for the birth of a great wine.

The Château's vineyard mix was, in 201: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc.

The harvest is often mixed, partly by hand and partly by machine, depending on plots, plant health and weather conditions. The grapes are first sorted in the vineyard. The harvest is then taken to the fermentation cellar in small bins to avoid crushing the grapes during transport.

Vinification is carefully undertaken under the watchful eye of Philippe Dourthe, graduate oenologist, in two modern vat rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The vat room, in stainless steel, is entirely thermoregulated in order to apply the specific method that Philippe Dourthe developed in 1982. It consists of vinifying at relatively low temperature over the first few days, in order to extract the quintessence of the fruit aromas of the grape, then, at the end of fermentation, letting the temperature rise to extract the finest tannins and the colour. At Maucaillou malolactic fermentation follows immediately after alcoholic fermentation.

Château Maucaillou wines are aged in barrels for 18 to 20 months. In keeping with the finest tradition, nowadays respected in only the very greatest growths, the wines are aged in carefully selected new oak barrels. Philippe Dourthe wrote his oenology thesis on the origin and characteristics of oak in the world. It is also one of his passions. 50 to 75% of the barrels are replaced by new oak for each harvest, depending on the vintage and on its capacity to handle more or less tannins from new oak of essentially French origin. Two large and fully insulated barrel ageing cellars, with a total capacity of 3,500 barrels, safely keep the first-year harvest, on the one hand, and the second-year harvest, on the other hand. During the two years of ageing, the wines are regularly racked, then fined with egg whites to ensure perfect clarity.

See also the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the winemakers themselves.

Chateau Maucaillou, Cru Bourgeois, Moulis 2008 - fiche technique

~52% Cabernet Sauvignon, ~41% Merlot, ~7% Petit Verdot.

The average production of each harvest is 27,000 cases (324,000 bottles) of the Grand Vin, and 9,000 cases (102,000 bottles) of the second wine (N°2 de Château).

ABV = 13.0%.

Awarded 90 points and a Silver medal at the 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA19).

The historic property of Château Mayne Mazerolles is situated close to the town and Citadel of Blaye, a Vauban fortress which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vineyard stretches over 30 hectares in the Blaye appellation on the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux. The estate is now managed by winemaker Jacques Chardat who follows a philosophy of utmost respect for the vines, cultivating the vineyard sustainably and is in conversion to organic status. He produces stunning Merlot based wines of real character.

The château is located in the town of Cars, in the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. The vineyard is made up of south facing plots on a plateau with claylimestone soils and a terroir known locally as gruppes, which is formed of small, white pebbles. The vineyard is cultivated according to traditional and sustainable viticulture practices, with an emphasis on respecting the soil, the environment and the vine. The vines are trained according to the double Guyot system and are carefully pruned to ensure a maximum yield of 45 hectolitres per hectare. The soil under the vines is scattered with oats or barley to produce a green manure; insecticides are not used. The vineyard is in conversion to organic.

2016 saw another excellent red Bordeaux vintage. Spring had the complication of an episode of frost. However, a very dry summer followed, bringing the growth cycle back into alignment. Rain in early September revived the vines after a dry period. An Indian summer allowed for optimal maturity in the grapes, which were perfectly ripened at harvest time.

Traditional Bordeaux vinification, with pre-fermentation maceration taking place at low temperatures, in order to extract the vibrant fruit flavours. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures. 20% of the wine was aged in barrels for six months; the remainder was aged in vat to retain the purity of fruit, elegance and freshness.

Merlot 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Malbec 10%.

An elegant, black fruited wine with discreet notes of spicy, vanilla oak and wild sage. Opulent and textured with fine, smooth tannins and blackberry flavours that linger on the persistent finish.

As the DWWA19 panel said, "Sweet blueberry, plum, graphite and blackberry. Seductive, with plush tannins, this is a lovely claret with a long finish not distracted by oak".

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Merlot 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%.

Grand Cru St-Emilion, heady with the perfume of blackberries, cassis and espresso, with added smoke and a touch of sandalwood in the mouth.

ABV = 15.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 92 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) (see link below).

Chateau Potensac, Cru Bourgeois, Medoc 2015  - Decanter review

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For other reviews, see the fiche technique/data sheet link below.

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The estate has been in the same family since time immemorial and has always been handed down by women. The current owner, Jean-Hubert Delon, inherited the estate from his paternal grandmother, Georgette Liquard. Although close to the river, Potensac is situated on a high point of land in North Medoc. Because of this position, the site has been populated since ancient times.

Planted on the best quality soils in the Ordonnac district, the vineyards now extend over 60 hectares on a terroir where the typical characteristics of each grape variety express themselves very distinctly and give the wine superb ageing potential.

Château Potensac's vineyards extend mainly over hilly mounds with a limestone subsoil covered with clay and gravel outcrops containing a high proportion of gravel (graves). These limestone soils are very similar to those found in the Saint-Estèphe appellation. On this very special terroir, some plots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc planted over 80 years ago still produce perfectly ripe, healthy grapes. The hamlet of Potensac was already cited in the first edition of Féret for the special characteristics and longevity of its wines

The estate's Grand Vin's vineyards are located west of Ordonnac village. Its rows of vines grow on a double thalweg of gravelly-clay. They produce a very fine wine with tight texture, great richness and wonderful freshness. On the palate, the wine is pure and powerful, the tannins dense and spicy, and the finish of great depth with glorious aromas. Because of these qualities, Château Potensac is often considered to represent the pure Medoc style. It should be noted that Potensac was the only Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel of its appellation.

For top detail on this, the 2015, see the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the Chateau themselves. There's a fair smattering of French when you first opne it, but look down the page and it's all translated. There's also a wealth of reviews on this sheet.

Chateau Potensac, Medoc 2015 - fiche technique

Merlot 45%, Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Cabernet Franc 17%.

To quote Wine Spectator, "Pepper, savory and bay leaf notes lead the way, with a core of medium-weight cassis and cherry flavors. A tobacco hint and chalky minerality extend the finish, which has a pleasant austerity. A touch reticent in style, but will age well".

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

"Supple and Merlot-influenced, the red from this Moulis superstar is one of the value-for-money wines of the vintage, as it was in 2010. Coffee bean and tobacco on the nose, with a hint of sweet spice on the palate, fine tannins and textured, balanced fruit. 6+ years. 91 points". Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2012.

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Chateau Poujeaux is situated in Moulis-en-Medoc which is in the heart of the vineyards of the Haut-Médoc, 3 miles from the two great appellations of Margaux and St-Julien. The name ‘Château Poujeaux’ first appeared in 1806 but Terre de Poujeaux, situated in Moulis-en-Médoc, had existed since the Middle Ages. During the 19th Century, the estate produced its first wines and became truly independent. 

In 2008, the estate was acquired by the Cuvelier family, already owners of the famous Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion. Won over by the quality of the wines and recognising the potential of the terroir, the Cuvelier family have brought a decidedly modern touch to Poujeaux, raising its profile to place it among the best-loved fine wines of Bordeaux. Today, Matthieu Cuvelier and Christophe Labenne co-manage Château Poujeaux with enthusiasm and a determination to perpetuate and transmit Château Poujeaux’s family and team spirit. The vineyard and winery teams follow the technical advice given to them by their esteemed colleague, Stéphane Derenoncourt.

This, the Grand Vin of Château Poujeaux, unites qualities of elegance, depth and balance. 250,000 bottles are typically produced each year.

Harvest time is the culmination of a year’s work, generally beginning in mid-September and ending in mid-October. Each plot is picked by hand at optimal maturity, determined with the help of technical analysis and tasting of the berries. The cut grapes are sorted then transferred to the winery. The fruit is separated according to the age of the vines, vineyard location and grape variety in order to obtain separate batches with complimentary characteristics.

After a month of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in vat, ageing takes place in French oak barrels over 12 months.

To see the informative fiche technique for this wine which has been written by the team at Chateau Poujeaux themselves, please click on the blue link below.

Chateau Poujeaux 2011 - fiche technique

48% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc.

The wines of Château Poujeaux invariably have a very deep, rich colour. The aromas are subtle, the tannins soft and silky and never aggressive even in their youth. Power, charm, elegance and balance characterize these wines perfectly. Château Poujeaux is a classic that will delight many wine enthusiasts, as it perfectly represents the Médoc. 

ABV = 13.0%.

The stunning 18th-century Château Puy Guilhem is located on the hills of Saillans, overlooking the appellations of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The vineyard covers 14.5 hectares and is situated at the highest elevation of the Fronsac appellation, where the quality soils produce rich, concentrated grapes. The vineyard is manually cultivated following a sustainable philosophy and renowned consultant oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt vinifies by parcel, creating hand-crafted, fruit focused and beautifully balanced wines.

2009 is widely cited as an outstanding vintage. The growing season was almost perfect, with a long, fine, warm summer and crucially, cooler nights which helped to retain balancing acidity. The wines are intensely ripe and rich.

The appellation of Fronsac is on the right bank close to Saint-Emilion. The wines are dominated by Merlot. Château Puy Guilhem’s vineyard is situated in an elevated position of the appellation, atop high quality soil composed of a mix of clay and silt, which imparts structure to the wine. The vineyard is managed sustainably without the use of herbicides. Cover crops of grass are grown between the vines and manged with light tilling.

Fermentation took place in temperature controlled vats and lasted for 24 to 48 hours. The fermenting must was manually pumped over, with daily observations to check the evolution of the skins. Maceration lasted between three to four weeks to extract the desired levels of colour, flavour and tannins. The wine was aged for 12 to 16 months in French oak barrels, of which 50% were new and 50% was of one year.

100% Merlot.

A mature and traditionally styled Bordeaux showing ripe and fleshy black berried fruits with a lovely savoury and earthy finish. A powerful yet elegant red with ripe berried fruits enhanced by a subtle note of oak spice. Full bodied, with juicy fruit and an attractive savoury note on the finish.

ABV = 14.0%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Although a small and relatively little known estate, Simard enjoys a sought-after position in amongst some of the premier estates of St-Emilion, including the mighty Ausone.

Château Simard is a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru which belongs to the very famous Vauthier family, who also own the world-renowned Château Ausone. Chateau Simard has been classified as Saint Emilion Grand Cru from the 2008 vintage. It has an enviable address on the sunny southern slopes of Saint Emilion. It has an excellent exposure and predominantly clay soil, mixed with sand and gravel. 

Stepping back to 1870, in those days, Chateau Simard was a much larger vineyard. In an effort to expand the wine trade in St-Emilion, to help in the shipping of their wine, a railroad was established that runs through the bottom of the Saint Emilion appellation.

However, the tracks were placed right in the middle of the Simard vineyard, cutting it in half. A new wine was created out of the now-split vineyard, Chateau Haut Simard.

Chateau Simard was purchased by the Maziere family in the 1920’s. Today, the estate is owned by Alain Vautheir, a direct descendant of Claude Maziere, who managed Chateau Simard since 1954. Alain Vauthier manages Chateau Simard and Chateau Haut Simard with the able assistance of his daughter, Pauline Vauthier. Pauline Vauthier is in charge of the winemaking of Château Simard’s 40 hectares of vines.

The 48-hectare, Right Bank vineyard of Chateau Haut Simard is in reality two separate parcels. The larger 40-hectare parcel used for Simard is planted to 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc. The remaining 8 hectares are reserved for Chateau Haut Simard, which is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Simard has a completely different aging process as the wine does not see any new oak for the aging. Instead, the wine of Chateau Simard is aged in concrete vats. Fermentation is in concrete vats; maceration is for ~30 days, depending on the vats. 100% malolactic fermentation is encouraged; there is no oak aging.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.

The blend each year reflects the vineyard's makeup of Merlot with small parcels of Cabernet Franc. The wine has attractive, up-front fruit with a fairly long finish that is drinking well presently but also could be cellared for a number of years.a brick-like hue and mellow aromas of leather, pudding spice and leaf tea aromas. The palate offers rich, raisined fruit and fine-grained tannins.

On average, the production of Chateau Simard is close to 12,000 cases per year.

ABV = 14.0%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 91 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in November 2018 (see link below).

Chateau Siran 2012, Margaux - November 2018 Decanter review

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For further reviews, see link at foot of this page.

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Produced from soils made up of a deep layer of gravel, the wines of Siran are typical of the great Margaux growths. Both powerful and delicate, they express the perfect balance between tannin, fruit and acidity. They are long-ageing wines, which over time develop sweetness on the palate, giving a characteristic silky and velvety mouth-feel. Made from a subtle blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Château Siran generally expresses finesse, femininity and silkiness rather than the raw power and virility of some Médoc wines. The high percentage of Petit Verdot, which can be as much as 15% of the final blend in some years, brings a spicy finish which enhances the unique character of the wines of Château Siran. Château Siran displays charm when young but is also a wine of very long ageing potential. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate the complexity of its aromas that it develops over time.

For more detail on this this, the 2015, see the blue link below for the excellent fiche technique/technical note from the winemakers themselves.

Chateau Siran 2012, Margaux - fiche technique

46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.

By way of tasting notes and further reviews, please see the link below.

Chateau Siran 2012, Margaux - tasting notes amd reviews

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS NOT HELD IN STOCK BUT QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Awarded 93 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in December 2017 (see link below).

Chateau Talbot, 4eme CC, St-Julien 2015 - Dec 2017 Decanter review

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"A big, rich wine for St. Julien with plenty of power and concentration, which enables it to carry plenty of spicy and toasty oak. The tannins need some time to soften, but the elegant finish says that from 2020 this should really impress. 94 points."  James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, February 2018.

having been tasted earlier...

"A refined yet chewy young red with lots of blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full body, ripe tannins and a fresh and clean finish. 92/93 points". James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, March 2016.

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Château Talbot comprises 110 hectares of a single vineyard in the heart of the Saint-Julien commune, an outstanding appellation as it counts no fewer than 11 Classified Growths/Crus Classes. Ideally situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary on hilltops of alluvial gravel carried by the Dordogne River from the Massif Central and from the Pyrenees by the Garonne, Château Talbot’s terroir is exceptional. The estate has a rich history. Its name originates with Connétable Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, governor of Guyenne as well as being a famous English military commander, who was defeated at the battle of Castillon in 1453.

For winemaking detail on this, the Grand Vin, see the blue link below for the fiche technique/technical note from the Château themselves.

Chateau Talbot, 4eme CC, St-Julien 2015 - fiche technique

Cabernet Sauvignon 66%, Merlot 31% and Petit Verdot 3%.

A dark purple color already shows the depth of this vintage. Refined and floral aromas on the nose with red fruits combined with a delicate and precise oak. Dense, silky and fleshy on the palate with a great elegance of fine tannins. A deep length finishing with black fruits. 

ABV = 13.5%.

** THIS WINE IS HELD IN NO OR LOW STOCK BUT IS QUICKLY BROUGHT IN TO ORDER. ORDERS PLACED BY 9am EACH MONDAY WILL BE WITH US FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH ON THE WEDNESDAY. **

Château Tour Saint Bonnet itself is located in the commune of St-Christoly in the northern Medoc. Located next to the Gironde on a gravel ridge, the 40 hectares of vineyards are planted with 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cot (Malbec). The average age of these vines is 35 year old. The Château has been owned by the Merlet family for four generations.

Winemaker Jacques Merlet opts for fermentation in concrete vats rather than small oak barrels and then ages the wine in large oak foudres (large wooden oak cask) for 18 months. This means oak influence is much more subtle and elegant and more of the pure fruit character is retained. 

Merlot 65%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30% and Petit Verdot 5%.

Chateau Tour St Bonnet is a full-bodied and rich Bordeaux with elegant, cassis fruit and a smooth finish.

ABV = 13.5%.