We've all seen the general rise in quality in Bordeaux over the past two decades, and now even the Cru Bourgeois (or Cru Classé) estates are gaining some serious recognition while still remaining top-tier QPR buys that you can stash away in the cellar. At the head of that pack is St-Éstephe's Château Meyney, always a savvy choice to overdeliver, and we've got a must-see mini-vertical on offer today,
Since 2013 under the consulting direction of Château Angélus' Hubert de Bouard, Meyney is on a real tear, with mounting critical accolades that are far outpacing the estate's cru bourgeois classification. Each of the vintages below is a gem, but the undisputed highlights are the benchmark 2020 and 2022. "The 2020 Meyney turned out beautifully. Fresh, vibrant and full of character, the 2020 impresses with its energy and delineation," notes Antonio Galloni. The warm, dry 2022 vintage produced a profound, long-haul thoroughbred that offers extreme bang for your collectible buck, with widespread acclaim for all corners of the professional press. "A serious overachiever" according to Galloni, "this appears to be the best Meyney produced for quite some time, and it's well worth seeking out," notes Wine Advocate's William Kelley.
In short, these acclaimed gems are some of the smartest bets for your cellar that you'll find, with tons of upside potential and case-buy pricing.
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)
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