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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.
- Situated among some of the Left Bank’s highest profile producers, the enticing 93 pt. 2019 Chateau du Glana is “a bold, juicy Saint-Julien” with “inky dark fruit” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni
- 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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The 2019 Meyney has a divine bouquet, so pure and winsome with floral red berry scents, beautifully integrated new oak and superb precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy to the point where you can almost overlook the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It could have been blowsy, yet it retains superb balance and feels luxuriant and long on the finish. This is a stellar showing easily eclipsing its performances either in barrel or just after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
95 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2023)
Notes of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries, vanilla, licorice and dark chocolate with touches of earthiness and nutmeg-like spice. Medium-bodied with ripe, velvety tannins and delicious fruit. Polished and refined. Try after 2023.
94 points, James Suckling (Mar 2022)
A solid, slightly burly version, featuring streaks of tar and bay leaf mixed with dark plum and black currant preserve flavors. The finish is underscored by a warm paving stone note, which adds cut, drive and a hint of old school. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2036. 16,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (2021)