Arriving February 21st, several attractively priced Bordeaux reds from vintages with stories to tell.
2016 is considered by many to be the finest vintage of the last decade. It was a year that had a bit of everything, rain in the spring, drought in the summer, but through it all the grapes on Bordeaux’s left bank underwent the perfect amount of stress to yield exceptionally ripe yet fresh fruit.
2008 witnessed rain during much of the growing season, but was fortunately saved by a dry autumn. This led to inconsistent quality, but many great wines for those who knew where to look, Chateau Larose Perganson’s 2008 Haut-Médoc amongst them.
2016 is considered by many to be the finest vintage of the last decade. It was a year that had a bit of everything, rain in the spring, drought in the summer, but through it all the grapes on Bordeaux’s left bank underwent the perfect amount of stress to yield exceptionally ripe yet fresh fruit.
2008 witnessed rain during much of the growing season, but was fortunately saved by a dry autumn. This led to inconsistent quality, but many great wines for those who knew where to look, Chateau Larose Perganson’s 2008 Haut-Médoc amongst them.
Chateau Larose Perganson
An estate with a history dating back 300 years, today Chateau Larose Perganson produces modern styled Bordeaux with intense fruit, subtle oak (over 30% new barrels), and smooth tannins. Roughly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a healthy dash of Petit Verdot, both the 2016 and 2008 offer more in terms of structure and complexity than most sub-$30 Left Bank reds. For those who enjoy their Bordeaux with some age on them, the 2008 is just entering its peak drinking window. While the 2016, the product of that exceptional vintage, will be delicious now, and for years to come.
Arriving February 21st:
Chateau Larose Perganson, Haut-Medoc 2016 750ML ($31.95) $27 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “Both ripe and savory, this is an appealing and characterful Haut-Médoc that is already drinking well, thanks to a delicate hint of sweetness. Nice length. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “With the same wine team as Château Larose-Trintaudon, this wine has the same commendably generous character. A tannic structure gives shape to the black fruits and the intense acidity typical of the vintage. Drink this wine from 2022.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 points “The 2016 Larose Perganson has a classy bouquet with pure wild strawberry and blackberry fruit, tobacco and pencil shavings, nicely focused and quite intense. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, beautifully poised with a silky, seductive finish. What a lovely Cru Bourgeois! Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Larose Trintaudon
Located (literally) across railroad tracks from Pauillac, this Haut-Médoc estate offers exceptional value. Known for richness and structure, these wines might not deliver the complexity of the region’s classed growths but, for less than $25 and $40 per bottle respectively, they deserve the attention of every fan of Bordeaux wine. While the Chateau Larose Trintaudon is drinking beautifully now, the Chateau Arnauld will reward patience and deserves a place in your cellar.
Arriving February 21st:
Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc 2016 750ML ($359.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc 2016 375ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc 2016 1.5L ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “A solid red with currant, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body, round yet firm tannins and a delicious finish. Typical Bordeaux from this excellent vintage. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot. Needs two to three years to soften. Drink in 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “At 380 acres, this is one of the largest Médoc estates just the wrong side of the tracks from Pauillac. This generously structured wine is full of juicy black-currant flavors that come from the 60% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It is likely to develop relatively quickly and will certainly be ready from 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Arnauld, Haut-Medoc 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “The aromas of blackberries and iron are really attractive and follow through to a full, soft and silky-textured red. Lovely fruit and focus to this. Solid. A blend of 70 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 20 per cent merlot and ten per cent petit verdot. Better after 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Under the same ownership as Château Larose Trintaudon, this estate has produced a powerful, dense wine with massive tannins. Eighteen months in new wood has seen to that. However, the equally dense fruit is right there, offering ripe blackberry and black-plum flavors. This wine needs to age to be its rich self. Drink from 2023.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2016 Arnauld is sumptuous, racy and full of character. Dark cherry, grilled herb, tobacco, menthol, licorice and rose petal are all laced together in this super-expressive Haut-Médoc. There is more than enough freshness to balance the wine’s more overt leanings. Hubert de Boüard consults.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2016 Arnauld has a delightful floral bouquet with scents of black cherry and orange rind, well defined and displaying neatly integrated oak. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, supple and “fluid” in the mouth with a lovely caressing, very pure finish. What a great Cru Bourgeois! Seek this out.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!