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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
A sweet deal on a cellar worthy assortment of high scoring Bordeaux, all under $30! From some of the region’s most undervalued estates, these “three lollipop” selections hit the sweet spot for Bordeaux lovers seeking outstanding value, a range of age worthy blends unbeatably priced for Bordeaux bargain hunters to stock the cellar and enjoy often.
- Described as a “stellar showing” by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the polished and refined 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Meyney from St. Estephe is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 16% Petit Verdot aged in about 1/3 new French oak, showing the “elegant, moderately concentrated, yet nicely structured and balanced style of the vintage” according to Jeb Dunnuck and boasting 15 or more years of longevity.
- A St. Estephe blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot from the Cazes family of Lynch-Bages, the impressive 94 pt. 2019 Ormes de Pez offers “a delightful mix of dark fruit and fresh flavors” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth, packing “plenty of punch” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson who calls it a “brilliant value” ready to enjoy over the next decade.
- Described as “super classy from start to finish” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the refined 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Cantemerle is a robust Left Bank blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot aged in 40% new French oak, yielding “a richly structured wine that is balanced by ripe black fruits” with “a vibrant finish” according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss and built to evolve over the next two decades.
- An under the radar gem from Moulis offering a “classic Left Bank feel” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the inviting 94 pt. 2019 Chateau Poujeaux “numbers among the real sleepers of the vintage” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, an impeccably crafted blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot built to deliver the goods for another two decades.
- Described as “an excellent, quite substantial Margaux for long-term ageing” by Vinous critic Neal Martin, the sumptuous 94 pt. 2020 Labegorce is “juicy and plush with a sense of gravitas coming through on the long, layered finish” according to the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown, an outstanding value summed up by Decanter’s Georgina Hindle as “classic, easy to drink and to recommend.”
Whether deciding on a few favorites or finding it hard to choose, these high scoring Bordeaux blends are bargain priced for mixing a case, a sweet deal for anyone seeking to pull the cork on a terrific Bordeaux more often. |
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Clear depth to the cassis fruits, studded with fennel, anis, cut herbs, raspberry leaf and smoked earth, delivering complexity and pleasure. A brilliant wine, and a great value pick. 33% new oak. Harvest September 16 to October 1, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
94 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023)
A forward, textured, already delicious wine, the 2020 Château Labégorce offers lots of red and black fruit as well as notes of cedar, smoke tobacco, and chocolate. Based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged in 40% new barrels, it has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, fine-grained tannins, and outstanding overall balance. Give bottles just a year or three and enjoy over the following 10-15 years or more.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)
The 2020 Labegorce, matured in 40% new oak, has a fragrant, floral bouquet with wilted rose petals infusing the lively red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit. There is something "airy" about the aromatics here. The palate is slightly honeyed in texture, saturated tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit commingling with white pepper and iodine. Great persistence and salinity on the finish - an excellent, quite substantial Margaux for long-term ageing.
93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2023)
Deep garnet-purple in colored, the 2020 Labegorce tumbles out of the glass with fragrant notions of kirsch, red roses, and stewed plums, leading to suggestions of damp soil and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy and plush with a sense of gravitas coming through on the long, layered finish.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)