Chateau Suduiraut in Sauternes

For the last few Sundays we’re gone deep into the Vinopolis Cellar to bring you great discounted prices of amazing Bordeaux wines. What people don’t know is that Bordeaux produces almost 900 million bottles of wine annually, a quantity that dwarfs any other fine wine growing region in the world. The region is far more complex, rich with winemaking diversity, and value driven than consumers realize.  As we’ve put these wines on sale it’s become clear how much more Bordeaux we should all be drinking given the immense quality that persists across all price bands and appellations in the region.

This week we’re continuing by featuring wines that reside outside the typical bounds of the “Left and Right Banks”. 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”. Everyting in the middle, to the south, and to the east are sub-appellations that don’t get nearly as much airtime but produce phenomenal wines.

 

Indeed, beyond this bilateral division of territory there are wine growing areas that offer incredible quality and value for the savvy wine consumer. In Graves and Pessac-Leognan you’ll find wines with similar blends to those prestigious chateau on the Left Bank, but often softer tannin structure and more high-toned aromatics. Further south are the wonderful sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes, which can age indefinitely and dazzle at the dinner table with elegant desserts and special occasions. The wild thing is that while previously considered the most collectible and limited wines on the planet, these bottles have become outrageously affordable as dry wine puritanism continues to plague palates around the world. Be a rebel. Change the curve. These wines can be yours at 10% off with a few clicks.
 

 

5% off any 3-5 bottles of in-stock wines featured below
10% off any 6 or more bottles of in-stock wines featured below
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Discount ends Wednesday, August 28th at 9 am Pacific

 

Reds In Stock and On Sale:

Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion ‘Le C des Carmes’, Pessac-Leognan 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $34.50, that’s $32.78 at 5% off and $31.05 at 10% off, 29 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Beautiful fragrance to the nose, perfumed and delicate yet so expressive, nothing out of balance with cherries and violets bursting out of the glass. Gorgeous smooth mouthfeel with some milk chocolate dusting on the fruit, tannins are delicate and softly mouth filling with a lovely salinity to the palate – creamy and unctuous but at the same time there’s lots of acidity. This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavours just glide across the palate with lift on the finish – so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 3.55pH. Drinking Window 2022 – 2046”

Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion ‘Le C des Carmes’, Pessac-Leognan 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “Smells rich with perfumed blackcurrants. Clean and crisp on the palate, a smooth and silky texture but with crunchy and bright, almost sharp fruit – dark cherries, plums and figs edged with a chalky, minerality. Clearly charming, this is succulent, supple and so easy to like with excellent drinkability. Refreshing and totally moreish.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled after 24 months’ élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it’s a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.”

Chateau Goubau ‘La Source’, Cotes de Castillon 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $18, that’s $17.10 at 5% off and $16.20 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The second wine of Chateau Goubau comes from the vineyard parcels facing south and south-west on the slopes bordering the domain’s natural source. Made from a blend of 95% Merlot grapes and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes, the wine is spicy and fresh with aromas of red fruits, plums and spice. On the palate the wine is crunchy and fruity with black fruit flavours and a touch of spice; the finish is lively and appealing. Drink now for next three years.”

l’Hetre, Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 36 bottles in stock now
PRE-ARRIVAL ETA SEPTEMBER
Jancis Robinson “L’Hêtre 2016 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is the first release of this wine from the organically farmed estate perched at 100 m on the end of the St-Philippe d’Aiguilhe limestone plateau, the highest point in Bordeaux…‘Rich in blackcurrant fruit with a savoury dark glow to make it more than just fruit. Just a touch of smoky char even though the oak is well in the background, a seductive fruit sweetness. On the palate, this is beautifully balanced, the alcohol perfectly integrated in the tannic structure and fruit core with a fresh tang that runs through the middle. There’s a cool fluidity to it even with its depth and length. Fine, dry, lingering and savoury aftertaste. Impressive first vintage with a promising future in the bottle. I opened this on a Sunday evening and it was still tasting fresh and vibrant four days later. This is a very classy wine, and the tannins tell you everything: fine, definite, building in the mouth but in perfect balance with the fruit and freshness. Blue-blooded Castillon. Catch it while you can.'”

Chateau Soubian, Pessac-Leognan 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer Notes “This hidden gem of a property lies just to the west of the village of Léognan on a beautiful hillock of gravel, and noted historically for its unique setting and propensity for exceptional wines. The Château has been owned since 1930 by the Célérier family, a line of Bordeaux negociants, who have recently sought to revitalize the vineyard by entrusting its operation to the astute Bernard family, of neighboring Domaine de Chevalier fame. Olivier Bernard and his team have overseen the conversion to organic production of this 4-hectare vineyard, which is composed of gravel soils on clay-gravelly subsoil, perfectly-suited to the cepage of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot..The 2019 Soubian offers a quintessential expression of the velvety, ripe and fresh 2019 vintage, with its own individual expression of forward red and black fruits, with spicy, slightly-peppery aromas.”

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Leognan 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Absolutely pure gold and reminding me of the 2009 (or is it the 2010?), the 2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte sports a dense purple hue to go with incredible aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, scorched earth, wood smoke, and acacia flowers. One of the most concentrated, rich, and sexy wines in the vintage, this massive and extraordinarily opulent 2020 shows the vintage’s pure, elegant profile yet backs it up with sensational levels of fruit and texture. Based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it already offers pleasure given its wealth of fruit, but it deserves 7-8 years of bottle age and will evolve for 40-50 years. Not enough can be said about the quality of these wines. Bravo to Florence and Daniel Cathiard, as well as to director Fabien Teitgen, for another incredible achievement.”
Wine Advocate 98-100 points “A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aging in 60% new barriques, the very deep purple-black colored 2020 Smith Haut Lafitte makes an impactful entrance, opening with flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, chocolate-covered cherries and molten licorice, leading to nuances of ground cloves, woodsmoke, crushed rocks and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with opulent black fruit preserves and shimmering mineral sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe and fantastically firm tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epically long-lasting earthy and savory layers. This is the singular voice of Smith Haut Lafitte at its finest, and wow-oh-wow is it worth a listen. This 2020 has an alcohol of 14.5% with a pH of 3.65. The tannins this year were a little higher than 2018 and 2019. A little less than a third of production went into this grand vin.”


Whites In Stock and On Sale:
 
Chateau Les Charmes-Godard Blanc, Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2021 Les Charms Godard is mostly Sémillon in this vintage, with smaller pieces of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. In 2021, Les Charmes Godard is brighter and more focused than in the past. Time in bottle will help release some its underlying texture, but readers won’t find the softer contours that are typical here. As has been the custom for a number of years, it was vinified and aged in 500-liter barrels, but with the malolactic fermentation blocked. In 2021, the last parcels were harvested on September 23 and 24, exceedingly late by today’s standards.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Zingy and pure, with a nice chiseled feel to the mix of lemon pith, honeysuckle and white peach flavors. Reveals a light quinine echo through the breezy finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. Drink now through 2024. 1,300 cases made.”

Closerie du Pelan Blanc, 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer Notes: “Comprising a miniscule portion of the estate’s total production, the Closerie du Pelan Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, vinified and aged in steel, with malolactic fermentation having occurred without inducement. This 2016 is ripe but bright, with notes of preserved lemon and a hint of salt–a supremely satisfying and unfussy white Bordeaux.”

Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc Pessac-Leognan 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This has a rich, toasty nose of cooked pear, dried pineapple, hazelnut and marmalade. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Dense and powerful. Better from 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A wine that will take time to balance out, this has dense, dark and dry tannins at this stage. These underline the richness of the black fruits and acidity, giving a wine that will need to age to lose its firm edge. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”

Chateau Lynch Bages Blanc de Lynch Bages 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “A balanced, juicy, slate-filled mineral edge here, with a crisp shot of mint. Has a lovely balance of rich texture and acidity, with lime blossom and citrus. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028.”

Chateau Pape Clement Pessac-Leognan Blanc 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “It has a light gold color and is a gorgeously full-bodied, multi-dimensional wine with great texture in its notes of rose petal, honeysuckle, crystallized/caramelized tropical fruits, mandarin orange and honeyed lemon. Aged 15 months in mostly new French oak, this is another brilliant achievement for proprietor Bernard Magrez from this tiny white wine vineyard, although I would rate it slightly below his perfect 2009. Anticipated maturity: now-2030.”
45% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Semillon, 6% Muscadelle & 5% Sauvignon Gris


Dessert Wines In Stock and On Sale:

Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 29 bottles in stock now
Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $51.90, that’s $49.31 at 5% off and $46.71at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
(2015) Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A heavenly dessert wine, the 2015 Château Coutet boasts a huge nose of caramelized citrus, crème brûlée, tangerine, and honeysuckle. With huge richness and sweetness, moderate acidity, a thick, fat mouthfeel and a blockbuster finish, it’s borderline over the top yet holds it together. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, but it’s undeniably gorgeous today.”
(2016) Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “One of the top sweet wines in this report is the 2016 Château Coutet, which has the vintage’s plush, opulent style as well as thrilling purity and good acids. Pineapple, white flowers, sugared peach, and honeyed notes all emerge from this full-bodied, layered, balanced Barsac that’s already impossible to resist yet will evolve gracefully 2+ decades.”
(2020) Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Coutet is much more refined and light on its feet than it was from barrel. Tangerine peel, mint, passionfruit, white flowers and a hint of marzipan all grace this airy, wonderfully refined Barsac.”

Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “One of the highest points of this vertical tasting, the 2010 Suduiraut reveals a dense, powerful bouquet of ripe apricots, exotic fruit, mango, pineapple, saffron and spices. More solar than the 2009 and with a full-bodied structure, it’s rich and concentrated, layered and seamless with a fleshy core of fruit and stunning controlled power, finishing long and mineral with bright acids. This stunning blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, harvested between September 22 and November 9 in five tries, was matured for 20 months in oak barrels (50% new, 50% one year) and contains 145 grams per liter of residual sugar.”
Vinous 96 points “The 2010 Suduiraut, picked from 22 September until 9 November in five tries through the vineyard, has a drop-dead gorgeous bouquet that is delineated and detailed. There are copious scents of dried honey, apricot, white peach and just a hint of melted candle wax. The palate is very well balanced with great depth. It boasts layers of rich botrytised fruit, you can feel the weight here but not the heaviness thanks to that killer line of acidity. This 2010 has long been one of the finest Sauternes of the vintage and continues to amaze. Fabulous, even if not quite up there with the imperious 2009. 13.8% alcohol, 145gm/L residual sugar. Tasted at the Suduiraut vertical at the château.”

 

Chateau Mouton Rothschild in the Left 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 continuing by featuring wines of the so called “Left 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 Left Bank side of things we find wines of the greatest intensity and structure. Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of these long-lived expressions that inspired regions around the world (Napa, Chile, etc) to follow in Bordeaux’s footsteps with wines that delight with fruit and coat the palate. The four appellations we’ll feature in this sale are Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, and Margaux. These are home to Bordeaux’s very top Chateau and some of the most legendary wines on the planet. The gravel-based soils of this area lend depth to the final blends and enable the wineries to produce world class bottlings year after year.
 

 

5% off any 3-5 bottles of in-stock Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, and Margaux wines
10% off any 6 or more bottles of in-stock Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, and Margaux wines
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
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Discount ends Wednesday, August 21st at 9 am Pacific

 

In Stock and On Sale From St. Estephe:

Chateau Capbern, Saint-Estephe 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2018 Château Capbern checks in as a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 60% new barrels. It has a deep, dark, earthy, classic Saint-Estèphe bouquet that gives up lots of cassis and almost blue fruits as well as ample chocolate, damp earth, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. With a full-bodied, rich, opulent mouthfeel, loads of sumptuous dark fruits, sweet tannins, and a great finish, this brilliant 2018 brings lots of fruit and opulence, yet stays weightless and balanced, with solid underlying structure. A hidden gem in the vintage, this is every bit as good as the 2016, and it’s going to shine for two decades or more.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This richly structured wine is layered with dense black fruits and serious tannins. A big wine in every sense, it is concentrated and juicy. The wine is made by the team from nearby classed growth Château Calon Ségur. Drink from 2026. -Roger Voss”

Chateau Le Crock, Saint-Estephe 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $41.90, that’s $39.81 at 5% off and $37.71 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Cellar Sellection. Under the same management as Château Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien, this estate belongs to the Cuvelier family. With its structured Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is made to age. Big tannins and concentrated fruits are full and dense.”
Decanter 94 points “Clearly standing out in this line-up, an impressive, well-crafted wine with great tannic hold; a wine you would be thrilled to own. Cassis, bilberry, blackberry, hawthorn, black chocolate, slate. Great texture and balance, and full of St-Estèphe signature. Great stuff.”

Chateau Cos d’Estournel, Saint-Estephe 2008 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
La Revue Du Vin de France 96 points “More classic, the 2008 is one of the great successes of the vintage (80% of grand vin), with a great intensity of fruit and a very good constitution.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The medium to deep garnet colored 2008 Cos d’Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pow! The nose explodes with notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis with wafts of wood smoke, salami and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and earthy/savory in character, sporting beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Drink: 2018-2035.”

Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Vinous 100 points “The 2019 Montrose is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Rich, inky and towering in concentration, the 2019 possesses off the charts intensity and tons of structure to back it up. Succulent black cherry, plum, tobacco, gravel and licorice infuse the 2019 with striking depth. The 2019 is not quite as opulent as some recent vintages, and that’s a good thing. Readers will find a regal wine that marries elegance with power. Unforgettable. Tasted two times.”
Decanter 99 points “A generous and abundant nose full of fruit and aromatic intensity followed by a gorgeous mouthfeel showcasing fruit density and concentration wrapped up in soft, velvety-smooth tannins. Just so much depth but also refinement here, it feels well made with just the right amount of fruit, toasty spice, tannins, freshness and acidity. The overall structure is gently framing all the elements – big and bold but quietly confident. The tannin impact is also enjoyable giving a feeling of approachability despite the long life ahead. Just superb – one of the best in 2019. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 12% press wine. 60% new oak. Drinking Window 2029 – 2046.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Montrose has turned out very well in bottle, wafting from the glass with a dramatic, perfumed bouquet of wild berries and cassis mingled with notions of lilac, violets, pencil shavings and warm spices, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s deep and multidimensional, with lively acids, beautifully refined tannins and a long, resonant finish. Checking in at 14.4% alcohol (rather higher than, for example, the brilliant 2009’s 13.7% or the 2016’s 13.3%), this is an undeniably powerful, ripe Montrose, but for now everything appears to be kept in check.”


In Stock and On Sale From Pauillac:
 
Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “One of the finest vintages I’ve ever tasted from this address, the 2018 Château Lynch-Bages has everything you look for in a great wine: incredible aromatics, richness without weight, perfect balance, and a purity of fruit that’s just about off the charts. Dense purple, it reveals a glorious perfume of blackcurrants and blackberry fruits, a deep, unctuous mouthfeel, building tannins, and a complex array of cedar pencil, tobacco, wood smoke, and chocolate. A true blockbuster in every sense, with masses of fruit and tannins as well as moderate acidity, it will probably merit a triple-digit score in a decade and is a 50+-year wine from this team. Drink: 2028-2078. (3/11/21)”
Wine Spectator 97 points “Vibrant, with a violet and cassis lead-in that then expands to include steeped black cherry and plum fruit as well as extra savory, iron and licorice root notes. Nice latent grip too, with a mouthwatering tug of earth at the very end. The fruit is so vibrant, it’s a tease now, but there’s structure here for the long haul, so be patient. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040. (3/31/21)”

Chateau Pichon Baron, Pauillac 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Jane Anson 98 points “Highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon on record, a reflection of how exceptionally well this grape did in 2019. The aromatics are all-enveloping, powerful and nuanced and totally delicious, drawing you in and refusing to let go. Slate, pencil lead, cassis, damson, layer upon layer of brilliance, if not quite the over-aweing concentration and enveloping character of the 2016. 80% new oak.”
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “The 2019 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, harvested from the 18th of September to the 11th of October. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 80% new, for 18 months. This grand vin represents 49% of the harvest. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose skyrockets from the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed blackberries, black raspberries and blackcurrant pastilles followed by perfumed sparks of fragrant earth, clove oil, lilacs, crushed rocks, molten chocolate and cinnamon toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with layer upon layer of black fruit, mineral and exotic spices, framed by beautifully ripe, finely-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with a lingering soft-spoken whisper of floral and earth notions. This is an absolutely beguiling expression that is classic Pauillac, and yet it is Pauillac like no other.”

Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “A vindication of Jean-Michel Comme’s obsession with detail. A true Pauillac powerhouse, exploding with aromas of wild blackberries and Lapsang Souchong tea before the voluptuous, expressive palate unfolds. Peerless definition and gravitas, but have patience. Part matured in amphora.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Pontet-Canet comes charging out of the glass with fantastically expressive notes of black cherry preserves, black raspberries and blackcurrant pastilles plus touches of kirsch, wilted roses, tobacco, camphor and cinnamon stick with a waft of fragrant soil. Full bodied, the palate is laden with black and red fruit layers, supported by very firm, very finely grained tannins and provocative freshness, finishing with incredible length and stunningly perfumed.”
Vinous 97+ points “Proprietor Alfred Tesseron and winemaker Jean-Michel Comme produced an absolutely stellar Pontet-Canet in 2015. Sumptuous, racy and totally inviting, the 2015 is all class. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice and exotic floral notes build as the 2015 shows off its alluring personality. Even with all of its raciness, the 2015 speaks with authority and power. Fine tannins extend the persistent, highly nuanced finish.” 

Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $279, that’s $265.05 at 5% off and $251.10 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
#2 WINE SPECTATOR – WINE OF THE YEAR IN 2021
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ points “The 2018 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is a monster of a wine with an almost Château Latour-like stature and structure, offering deep, backward, slightly reductive notes of blackcurrants, crushed stone, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and tobacco leaf. Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful on the palate, with masses of tannins, beautiful mid-palate density, and a great finish. As I’ve commented previously, the up-front, sexy style of the past (due to the larger Merlot content, I believe) has been replaced by a more regal, at times austere profile. Nevertheless, it’s still its own wine and very Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in style. This 2018 is going to need 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 40+ years.”
Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers a deep well of dark currant, blackberry paste and plum preserves fruit that needs time to unwind fully, as it’s shrouded in warm earth, tobacco, singed cedar, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. A ramrod of graphite adds to the strident, structured feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2030 through 2050. 13,000 cases made. — JM”


In Stock and On Sale From St. Julien:

Chateau Gloria, St Julien 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Vinous 96 points “The 2019 Gloria has a compelling nose: black fruit, crushed rocks, tobacco and very subtle marine scents that are all beautifully combined. Perhaps the most precise and delineated nose among an impressive array of Saint-Julien’s this year. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively opening. A touch of soy infuses the black fruit; fine-boned with wonderful sapidity on the finish. Extraordinary length. Serious. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.”
Jane Anson 95 points “So good, this is a vibrant mix of young and exuberant, luxurious, seriously creamy in texture, crushed stone, baked earth, smoked caramel, damson, sweet blackberry and damson fruits. This is pure pleasure, hard to resist.”

Chateau Leoville Barton, St Julien 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 2019 #1 Wine of The Year 97 points “This is so vivid as it brims with pastis-soaked plum, blackberry, black currant and blueberry paste flavors, all carried by a perfectly integrated brambly spine. Tar and ganache notes give the finish an extra kick while everything stays within the mouthwatering roasted apple wood frame. Both regal and rambunctious, this is St.-Julien to a T.”
Decanter 96 points “I love this – there’s concentrated cassis on the nose with a strong, smoky edging. On the palate the coffee and dark chocolate is clear, a little bitter in an extremely attractive way, leaning against the rich, sweet black fruits. There’s no question those tannins are in full play. An excellent wine with a great life ahead. Matured in 60% new oak. Drinking Window 2024 – 2040”

Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St Julien 2014 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times.”

Chateau Saint Pierre, St Julien 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.07 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Vinous 95 points “The 2018 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is a powerful, muscular wine. Black cherry, gravel, dark spice, menthol, licorice and espresso add to an impression of brooding intensity. Saint-Pierre was so compelling from barrel. It is all that and more from bottle. The tannins are going to need a number of years to soften, but there is so much to look forward to here. Readers should expect a virile, imposing Saint-Julien.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, the 2018 Saint-Pierre bursts from the glass with a glorious perfume of kirsch, blackcurrant pastilles, black raspberries and cedar chest with hints of red roses, pencil shavings and spice box. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with velvety tannins and beautifully knit freshness, supporting the generous black and red berry layers, finishing long and perfumed. It needs a good four years for the oak to marry and the fruit to really hit its stride, then should drink a further 20+ years.”


In Stock and On Sale From Margaux:

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has attractive, glossy, ripe red-plum and licorice aromas with cedar, flowers and red berries, as well as a stony edge. A very fragrant, cabernet-driven nose. The palate has elegance and grace with sleek and charming, balanced style and a discreet tannin structure that holds the finish long and fresh. A blend of 81 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 19 per cent merlot. Try from 2023.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar SelectionThis nearly 200-acre estate lies in the south of the Margaux appellation. The wine is another great success in a series of superb years. It is rich but the structure and finely textured fruit give it style and longevity. Drink the wine from 2026.”

Chateau D’Issan, Margaux 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Wonderfully intense on the nose, so ripe and concentrated with some toasted oak aromas. Supple and vibrant on the palate, the fruit is clean and crisp with tannins that are fine but firm, just giving the expression some tension and linearity. Cinnamon and clove edge the bright blackcurrant and black cherry fruit with lovely acidity. This is plush, and firm at the same time, clean and clear, fragrant and ripe. Lots going on here with bitter dark chocolate too. It’s all happening. Needs time to relax but this is wonderfully nuanced and really quite captivating. Grippy and refreshing, leaves a lingering impression.
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2020 Château D’Issan is a stunningly good Margaux, and this is another estate that seems to producer brilliant wines every vintage. Pulling from 51.04 hectares of vines and a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, it’s a selection of just 45% of the total production and spent 18 months in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak. Beautiful, spiced-laced red and black fruits, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and incense notes define the aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied restrained, elegant 2020 with terrific mid-palate density, ripe, velvety tannins, and terrific overall balance. This is one of those beautiful, classic wines that grows on you with time in the glass, and hats off to Emmanuel Cruse for yet another incredible wine. It’s going to evolve for another 25-30 years if well-stored.”

Chateau Rauzan Segla, Margaux 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. The blend this year is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 20th and October 15th at an average yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%, and the pH is 3.6.”

Chateau Malescot St Exupery, Margaux 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Vinous 95 points “The 2018 Malescot Saint Exupéry is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. Powerful and incisive, the 2018 is a driving, potent Margaux that dazzles from the first taste. Iron, smoke, new leather, licorice, pressed rose petal and cedar all open in the glass, conveying tremendous nuance and a ton of character.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Malescot St. Exupery leaps from the glass with expressive scents of baked blackberries, Morello cherries and boysenberries with hints of blackcurrant cordial, dark chocolate, licorice and tilled soil. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive intensity without heaviness, delivering mouth-coating black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing with a refreshing earthy lift.”  

LEFT BANK WINES AVAILABLE NOW	APPELLATION	VWS PRICE	AVAILABLE	LINK
CAPBERN SAINT-ESTEPHE 2018	SAINT-ESTEPHE	36.00	23	Link
CAPBERN SAINT-ESTEPHE 2018 CS-6	SAINT-ESTEPHE	199.00	3	Link
COS D’ESTOURNEL ST ESTEPHE 2008	SAINT-ESTEPHE	219.00	8	Link
COS D’ESTOURNEL ST ESTEPHE 2016	SAINT-ESTEPHE	299.00	3	Link
COS D’ESTOURNEL ST ESTEPHE 2019	SAINT-ESTEPHE	199.00	6	Link
LE CROCK ST ESTEPHE 2016 750ML	SAINT-ESTEPHE	41.90	16	Link
MONTROSE ST ESTEPHE 2016	SAINT-ESTEPHE	249.00	3	Link
MONTROSE ST ESTEPHE 2019	SAINT-ESTEPHE	219.00	13	Link
LYNCH BAGES PAUILLAC 2018	PAUILLAC	189.00	5	Link
PICHON BARON PAUILLAC 2016	PAUILLAC	199.00	7	Link
PICHON BARON PAUILLAC 2019	PAUILLAC	199.00	11	Link
PICHON LALANDE PAUILLAC 18 MAG	PAUILLAC	499.00	3	Link
PICHON LALANDE PAUILLAC 2018	PAUILLAC	279.00	27	Link
PICHON LALANDE PAUILLAC 2019	PAUILLAC	249.00	16	Link
PONTET CANET PAUILLAC 2015	PAUILLAC	189.00	10	Link
PONTET CANET PAUILLAC 2016	PAUILLAC	199.00	3	Link
CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD PAUILLAC 2010	PAUILLAC	999.00	1	Link
GRAND PUY DUCASSE PAUILLAC 2010	PAUILLAC	99.00	10	Link
GRAND PUY LACOSTE 2018	PAUILLAC	99.00	16	Link
GRAND PUY LACOSTE 2019	PAUILLAC	89.00	29	Link
CHATEAU GISCOURS MARGAUX 16 750	MARGAUX	89.00	11	Link
CHATEAU GISCOURS MARGAUX 2018	MARGAUX	89.00	4	Link
D’ISSAN MARGAUX 2018 750ML	MARGAUX	89.00	1	Link
D’ISSAN MARGAUX 2020 750ML	MARGAUX	79.00	24	Link
RAUZAN SEGLA MARGAUX 2016 750ML	MARGAUX	159.00	21	Link
RAUZAN SEGLA MARGAUX 2017 750ML	MARGAUX	109.00	1	Link
MALESCOT ST EXUPERY MARGAUX 2018	MARGAUX	89.00	15	Link
MALESCOT ST EXUPERY MARGAUX 2019	MARGAUX	79.00	6	Link
BRANAIRE DUCRU ST JULIEN 15	ST JULIEN	89.00	1	Link
BRANAIRE DUCRU ST JULIEN 16 750	ST JULIEN	89.00	7	Link
CHATEAU BEYCHEVELLE ST JULIEN 15	ST JULIEN	149.00	8	Link
GLORIA ST JULIEN 2019	ST JULIEN	49.00	22	Link
GLORIA ST JULIEN 2020	ST JULIEN	49.00	7	Link
LEOVILLE BARTON ST JULIEN 2016	ST JULIEN	189.00	10	Link
LEOVILLE BARTON ST JULIEN 2018	ST JULIEN	135.00	17	Link
LEOVILLE BARTON ST JULIEN 2019	ST JULIEN	119.00	3	Link
LEOVILLE LAS CASES ST JULIEN 12	ST JULIEN	219.00	3	Link
LEOVILLE POYFERRE ST JULIEN 2014	ST JULIEN	99.00	36+	Link
LEOVILLE POYFERRE ST JULIEN 2016	ST JULIEN	135.00	7	Link
SAINT PIERRE ST JULIEN 2018	ST JULIEN	79.00	13	Link
SAINT PIERRE ST JULIEN 2019	ST JULIEN	79.00	11	Link