Saint-Emilion in the Right Bank

Somewhere in the last 10 years we started to forget about Bordeaux. Maybe it was the advent and rush of the natural wine movement and ‘new school’ wines , or perhaps it was the increase in perceived luxury following the legendary 09′ and 10′ vintages. It could even have been a slow shift in perception towards the idea that Bordeaux is less of a wine to drink and more of a collectible to be boasted about. The likely truth is that all of these factors have influenced the new and old American wine enthusiast to overlook some of the greatest wine made on the planet.

That is nowhere near an exaggeration. In case you haven’t noticed, Cabernet, Merlot, and the usual Bordeaux blend suspects are capable of making absolutely stunning wines all over the world. Before there was Napa Valley Cabernet, there was Bordeaux. Before there was Chilean red blend, there was Bordeaux. Before there was Mendoza Malbec, there was Bordeaux. We could go on and on. How massive though is the irony that the global palate can be so proud of the native wines which have built the identity of their regions, and so dismissive of the wines which provided the very blueprint of success?

To prove our enthusiasm, over the next few Sundays we’re going to go deep into the Vinopolis Cellar to bring you great discounted prices of amazing Bordeaux wines. I’ve looked at our inventory and I’m thrilled we’re able to put these wines on sale for you; newer vintage and perfectly aged back-vintages alike. Sad you missed out on some of the legendary vintages pre-2015? We’ve got them. Looking to buy a case of younger wines you can drink on and off for the next few decades? Look no further.

This week we’re going to begin by featuring wines of the so called “Right Bank” of Bordeaux. The Gironde Estuary is the defining feature of the Bordeaux wine region, and its river system more or less dictates the borders of many top appellations and winemaking styles. The two rivers that split from the Gironde are the Dordogne and the Garonne, the vineyards and wineries that exist on the right of the Dordogne are known as the “Right Bank”, while those to the left of the Garonne and further North are the “Left Bank”.

 

On the Right Bank side of things we’re presented with wines made principally of Merlot followed by Cabernet Franc. The top two appellations of this area are Saint-Emilion (also perhaps one of the most beautiful towns in all of France) and Pomerol. The wines are silky, rich, with aromas of red and black fruits alongside more exotic notes of chocolate, truffle, and fallen leaves, These wines age extremely well, but present more generosity in their youth compared to those of the Left Bank. There are many reasons for this including the softer tannins of Merlot, more nutrient dense soils, and different grape ripening conditions.

What more can one say? If you drink Bordeaux it’s because you value tradition, world class winemaking, and a style of wine that cannot fail at being utterly delicious every single time a corked is popped. Please enjoy our Right Bank wine selections from Saint-Emilion and Pomerol below, and don’t miss out on the full 10% discount.

 

5% off any 3-5 bottles of in-stock St-Emilion or Pomerol wines
10% off any 6 or more bottles of in-stock St-Emilion or Pomerol wines
 
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Discount ends Wednesday, August 7th at 9 am Pacific

 

In Stock and On Sale From Saint-Emilion:
 
Chateau Canon, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96+ points “[Reviewed in 2020] Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Canon features wonderfully expressive notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and baked black cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, opulent and super spicy, it has a plush texture with a racy line supporting the hedonic fruit, finishing with jaw-dropping persistence.”
Decanter 96 points “You know you are on the Right Bank limestone plateau with this wine not by the fruit character, which is savoury, dark and concentrated, but by the juicy finish, which remains a little austere even after 10 years. After 15 minutes in the glass it opens up to be gloriously appetising and sapid (a word that is used much more frequently in French, and that sums up why limestone soils can transmit such appetising, drinkable and mouth watering flavours and textures, and why wines of this type work so well with food). At this stage it is the 2009 that delivers a readier-to-drink wine, but this is subtle and complex and has pulsating sense of purpose. Drinking Window 2022 – 2042.”

Chateau Canon, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $349, that’s $331.55 at 5% off and $314.10 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
#1 Wine of the Year – James Suckling
Vinous 100 points “From the very beginning, the 2015 Canon has made an eloquent case for itself as one of the wines of the vintage. Multiple tastings from bottle only confirm what several early tastings hinted at: the 2015 Canon is simply extraordinary in every way. Sumptuous and exotic, with no hard edges and exceptional balance, the 2015 grabs hold of all the senses and never lets up. A rush of red fruit intermingled with floral notes, spice and smoke notes effortlessly runs up the wine’s vertical structure as the 2015 thrills with every twist and turn. The 2015 Canon is a rare wine that is both hedonistic and intellectual – well, maybe it is a bit more hedonistic-leaning. It doesn’t matter. Don’t miss it. This 2015 is masterpiece from General Manager Nicolas Auderbert and his team at Canon.”
James Suckling 100 points “Seductive. The nose draws you in deep: It’s like staring into a well of pristine dark cherries, dark plums, blackberries and mulberries. All the oak is perfectly subsumed. The palate’s flawless with immense depth and power and it’s so balanced as to appear to float. Immaculate fresh dark-berry and plum flavors. Silky and deep, ribbon-like finish. Perfect. Best from 2022.”

Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “An off-the-hook Saint-Emilion, the inky colored 2016 Château Clos de Sarpe is mostly Merlot but includes 15% Cabernet Franc. A beautiful, floral character gives way to more blueberry, raspberry, spice, and cedar notes, and it’s medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant on the palate, with thrilling purity of fruit. It’s still tight and reserved at the moment, with a focused feel on the palate, but has tons of potential. Give bottles 5-7 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15+.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos de Sarpe (composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal provocative Black Forest cake, Chinese five spice and cigar box notes with nuances of sandalwood, kirsch, rose hip tea and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate is oh-so-seductive with a beautiful velvety texture and tons of freshness lifting the decadent fruit to a long spicy finish.

Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “I love this estate, and their 2019 Château Clos De Sarpe offers the newer, balanced, elegant style of recent vintages while still bringing beautiful fruit and opulence. Cassis, blueberries, graphite, tobacco damp earth, and violet notes are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, awesome purity of fruit, good acidity, and a great finish. It’s going to take a decade of bottle age to hit maturity and will evolve for 30 to 40 years. This classic, beautiful, old-school yet pure and balanced Saint-Emilion deserves a place in your cellar.”
Vinous 96 points “The 2019 Clos de Sarpe is off the charts gorgeous. Black cherry, leather, licorice, spice and chocolate are all dialed up. As always, Clos de Sarpe is unabashedly opulent, but in recent years there has been a touch more focus, a bit more delineation to balance things out. The 2019 is positively stunning. That’s all there is to it. Tasted two times.”

Chateau Laforge, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 750ml Displayed Price: $75, that’s $71.25 at 5% off and $67.50 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points  “From proprietor Jonathan Maltus, this blend of three terroirs, two on sand and one on gravel, is a blend of 92% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. About 2,000 cases are produced, and the prodigious 2009 is the finest vintage to date. Inky blue/purple, with notes of licorice, camphor, black truffle, blackberry and blueberry, this full-bodied wine has massive concentration yet at the same time displays elegance and harmony. The equilibrium and 60+-second length make for a huge, massive, but incredibly well-balanced wine, like a shadow of the proprietor himself. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.”

Chateau La Gaffeliere, Saint-Emilion 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $81.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vinous 99 points “The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!”
 
Chateau Pavie Macquin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ points “Possibly the finest vintage of this cuvée to date, the 2016 Château Pavie Macquin comes from a cooler, later terroir on the upper plateau and checks in as 82% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 50% new oak. This deep, inky-colored effort boasts a rock star bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherries, white truffle, graphite, and spice. Deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, yet also balanced, elegant, and seamless, with ultra-fine tannins, this seamless beauty needs a decade of cellaring and will keep for 4-5 decades.”
Vinous 98 points “The 2016 Pavie Macquin is a total stunner. Rich, lush and inviting, the 2016 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal, lavender and mint are all given an extra kick of allure by silky tannins that caress the palate from start to finish. There is a level of precision and nuance here that is simply breathtaking. The purity of the fruit is just mind-boggling.”


In Stock and On Sale From Pomerol:

Chateau Plince, Pomerol 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “The blue fruits and flowers with some dark chocolate come through clearly. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins that are integrated and long. Savory finish. Needs three or four years to soften. Drink after 2026.”

Chateau Rouget, Pomerol 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is soft and chewy with very round tannins and lots of blackberry, toasted-oak, walnut and earth character. Traditional with a new vibe. Full-bodied, layered and juicy. Some tobacco, stem and chocolate, too. Better after 2026.”
Decanter 95 points “Ripe and dried red berry fruit on the nose, raisins, freshly picked raspberries and blueberries. Some wonderful potpourri perfume too. Great grip and hold from the start – this is tannic and they coat the mouth but with such a bright and juicy aspect too. Real energy here, a lighter if you can say that (as still 14.5%) style, with focus on delicate red fruits, perfume and dark chocolate. RIch to start with, muscular with a bold immediate taste then the delicacy comes in. A wonderful aerial style that is all in balance but still needs some time. It will reward cellaring. Great potential here and quality winemaking on show. Tasted twice.”

Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “The definition of poised and confident, this has pretty much consistently delivered since the very first taste during En Primeur. Deeply layered, textured, confident and powerful, both very Pomerol and very 2010. Coffee beans and bitter chocolate are the dominant flavours alongside cassis and blackberry autumnal berry fruits. Both gourmet and restrained. Just about ready to go but will hugely benefit from three to four hours in carafe first, and will further improve over the next few years, and indeed over the decades to come”  
Vinous 95 points “The 2010 Clinet has a very pure and seductive bouquet with layers of black plum, wild strawberry, hints of black truffle and morels. It is fresh and focused with plenty of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, silky smooth in texture with a poised, soy-tinged finish that fans out wonderfully. This is an outstanding Pomerol from Ronan Laborde and his team that should age with style. Tasted at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting”.

Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $135, that’s $128.25 at 5% off and $121.50 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Vinous 98 points “The 2019 Clinet has maintained the stunning delineation that I discerned from the barrel sample. Pure black cherries, hints of cassis and wilted violet scents unfold in the glass with effortless ease, and the oak (75% new, 25% used for 18 months) is neatly integrated. The poised palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and disarming mineralité, particularly toward the finish, which delivers tremendous length and saliva-inducing salinity on the aftertaste. There is a pleasing strictness to this Clinet that is apposite to the flamboyant and decadent wines of the Nineties. This Clinet is one of Ronan Laborde’s great achievements.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Clinet is showing beautifully in bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of plums, cherries and berries mingled with hints of violets, licorice, subtle spices and smoke. Full-bodied, sensual and velvety, it’s seamless and vibrant, with lively acids, ripe tannins and a long, resonant finish. This precise, concentrated wine is the finest young Clinet I’ve ever tasted, and it exemplifies the tremendous progress that Ronan Laborde has made at this estate over the last decade.”

Chateau Lagrange, Pomerol 1990 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Big, rustic and chewy red. Dark garnet color. Aromas of berries, leaves and wet earth. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long coffee, ripe fruit aftertaste.–1990 Bordeaux retrospective.”