Château du Moulin Noir Lussac-Saint-Émilion
There's two undeniable truths about right bank Bordeaux; first and foremost, it's completely brilliant, but, normally, you have to dish out the big bucks to get your hands on the good stuff. Well, that's where we come in, call it luck, call it fate, call it whatever you want, but the reality is that this wine is everything you'd expect from a premium, highly awarded, professionally-aged Bordeaux, for fraction of the price. From the legendary right bank of Bordeaux, this premium drop was built to impress and built to last. And gee whiz, it's met the brief. Still bursting with lifted aromatics of blackcurrant and violet, it’s now developing those savoury notes we all love: think tobacco, leather, a touch of spice and that silky, sleek 'Bordeaux-ness' that you can't quite put your finger on. There structure is firm, the finish long, and the potential? Huge. After paying its debt to the wine gods in the cellar (for 14 years), it’s drinking impeccably right now, but this stunner's journey is far from over... honestly this is the type of wine that will outlast your patience. A proper head-turner.
Château Palmer Margaux
Château Palmer is considered one of the worlds first 'Super Seconds' (although actually classified as a third growth), a term relating to the top echelon of producers that fall outside of the ancient 1st Growth classification. Margaux's Château Palmer was named after a British general who fought under Wellington. It has been stated by quite a few wine critics that this could possibly be the finest Château Palmer ever produced. An amazing claim considering how phenomenal the 2005 was and is yet to be. Masses of concentrated aromas and flavours that will keep your senses entertained for hours on end. A truly remarkable achievement that will repay the patient cellarer over the next 30 years.
Château Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan
From an estate reputed for its ability to produce exceptional white and red wines, this red offering from 2010 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The Graves producer has the ''ace in the hole'' of noted winemaker-consultant Stephane Derenencourt who has been increasing the quality of the wines through his tenure. The wines have enjoyed a twenty year ascension in the ranks of Bordeaux lovers, noted for their more modest alcohol, medium-bodied nature and freshness of fruit character. Though set to the lighter spectrum, elegance is the calling card in 2010.
Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion
Jean-Pierre Moueix Bordeaux
JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX rouge was inspired by the founders early mission: when Jean-Pierre Moueix launched his wine merchant business in 1937, he sought to offer eminently drinkable and enjoyable wines that reflect a sense of place. Personally selected by Christian and Edouard Moueix, the Merlot grape offers depth and complexity, while Cabernet Franc brings structure and spice to the blend. Combined, these varietals produce wines of character and body while maintaining a unique suppleness. The wine shows ruby red with an intense, complex nose presenting notes of cherry, strawberry and blond tobacco. The palate is powerful and inviting with smooth, silky tannins.
Château Massereau Bordeaux Supérieur
Built in the 16th century and situated in Barsac at about 30 kilometers from Bordeaux, Château Massereau was acquired by the Chaigneau family in 2000. A 19 hectare estate with 10 planted (6,600 – 7000 plants/hectare) in the Barsac, Graves and Bordeaux Superieur appellations. Château Massereau Bordeaux Supérieur 2018 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc & 10% Petit Verdot. Vinified in concrete vats for 4-8 weeks naturally without additional yeast, finings, filtration and low sulphite. The resulting wine is garnet in colour with an intense nose of black fruit, with hints of sweet spice and pepper.
Chateau Pavie
Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.
Chateau Pavie-Decesse Grand cru classe
Château Pavie Decesse is a St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé property in the Côtes sub-district, considered the equal of its illustrious neighbour, Chateau Pavie. The origins of both can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The 3.5ha vineyard, on chalky, limestone and clay soils and contiguous with Pavie, is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Following cold maceration, the Chateau wine is vinified in temperature-controlled oak vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 80% new oak for between 18 and 24 months, depending on vintage character. Production is small, around 650 dozen each year. The hedonistic Pavie Decesse style combines opulent, rich, sensuous textures with minerality, freshness and concentration. Due to its lush style Pavie Decesse drinks well young, yet does develop additional complexity with time in the cellar. Wine quality has been consistently excellent under the ownership, since 1997, of Gerard and Chantal Perse.