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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
A stunning pair of silky, age worthy Margaux blends, the enticing 93 pt. 2016 and 93 pt. 2018 Chateau Deyrem Valentin offer aromatic, dark ripe fruit hinting of spice and graphite with a lingering, velvety finish, two overachieving Left Bank gems delivering Margaux’s signature elegance at a bargain price.
A family run estate situated among the region’s most prestigious Chateaux, Chateau Deyrem Valentin is located about 3 kilometers north of Chateau Margaux near the Gironde estuary, owned by the Sorge family since 1928 and now managed by fourth generation Jean Sorge along with his daughters Sylvie and Christelle. Situated in the prime commune of Soussans, Chateau Deyrem’s organically farmed vineyards span 14 hectares planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a small amount of Petit Verdot, divided into 10 unique parcels of well drained gravel and pebble soils over sand and clay, the oldest vines ranging up to 100 years of age on a parcel purchased from neighboring Chateau Palmer. A blend of 50% Merlot, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Chateau Deyrem-Valentin was aged in 30% new French oak for 15 months, yielding a rich, appealing blend that’s “full of potential” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss and a favorite of Neal Martin of Vinous, who calls it “simply a beautiful wine whose silky texture will seduce from 100 yards." Blending 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, winemaker Christelle Sorge aged the 2018 Chateau Deyrem-Valentin in 50% new French oak barrels for 15 months, yielding “plenty of fruit and richness as well as balance” according to Jeb Dunnuck with “a ton of complexity and nuance from a reliable name” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson who named it one of her Top Value Picks. |
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This is good-quality. Fresh acidity gives a strong lift on the finish, all backed up by fruit, spice and tannins. Will age well and has a ton of complexity and nuance from a reliable name. A yield of 50hl/ha, 50% new oak for 15 months.
93 points, Jane Anson, Decanter (Dec 2020)
The 2018 Deyrem Valentin is very perfumed on the nose, offering blackberry, blueberry, touches of violet petal and light incense aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a silky-smooth texture and a vibrant, minerally finish that lingers. This is a gorgeous, finely tuned and precise Margaux that is going to give 20 years of drinking pleasure.
92 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Mar 2021)
While this wine does suffer from high alcohol, it also shows much of the Margaux elegance. The firm tannins and bold structure are mitigated by succulent and ripe black-currant flavors. It needs to age, not to be drunk before 2025.
92 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2021)
Ripe black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and some vanilla on the nose. Hints of gravel and mushroom. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Creamy and round. Chewy. Nice spice at the end. Try from 2024.
92 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)