Research tells me that the second label bottles of many Bordeaux wines – that’s what doesn’t fit in the first blend of major Chateaus, will be outstanding and probably at very good prices, a reflection of the old saw, “a rising tide lifts all boats”.. so look for some of the region’s less famous appellations. The Chateau De Pez was one of my favorites.
CHÂTEAU ORMES DE PEZ Saint-Estèphe 2015 (90, $32)
CHÂTEAU BARDE-HAUT St.-Emilion 2015 (93, $39)
Restrained, racy; damson plum, raspberry, cassis, cedar, sanguine, iron
CHÂTEAU BASTOR-LAMONTAGNE Sauternes 2015 (92, $23)
Green fig, mirabelle plum, apricot, peach, almond, macadamia nut
CHÂTEAU CÔTE DE BALEAU St.-Emilion 2015 (92, $22)
Juicy; raspberry, boysenberry, red currant, mesquite, iron, tobacco
CHÂTEAU LA VIEILLE CURE Fronsac 2015 (92, $23)
Dark currant, plum, bitter cherry, charcoal, singed iron, tobacco, toast; juicy
CLOS FLORIDÈNE Graves White 2015 (91, $23)
Racy; pink grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile, verbena, honeysuckle
CHÂTEAU FOMBRAUGE St.-Emilion 2015 (91, $28)
Plum, black currant, charcoal, bay leaf, tobacco; fresh
CHÂTEAU CAP DE FAUGÈRES Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 (90, $16)
Lively, aromatic; pomegranate, rooibos tea, savory
CHÂTEAU PUYGUERAUD Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 (90, $16)
Damson plum, raspberry, bitter cherry, juniper; sleek, savory