One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Bordeaux fan or collector is returning again and again to a lauded vintage to see how the wines are evolving. Of course, it's all the more enjoyable as Bordeaux offers you countless opportunities to do so without breaking the bank.
Where the book-end vintages of the acclaimed "trifecta" of 2018, 2019, and 2020 are built on power and longevity, the middle vintage has always stood out for its approachability and refinement, which is clearly apparent in these best-selling, fan-favorite value performers on offer today. Leading off, we have "a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value" per Neal Martin, who notes "You have no excuse not to have this in your cellar." The 93-point Chasse-Spleen is another hidden gem from Moulis-en-Médoc's most well-known estate, while "the purity and finesse are really something" on the 2019 Pedesclaux Pauillac, according to Jeb Dunnuck. With the pedigree of a multiple 100-point grand vin behind it, the 2019 La Dame de Montrose is once again one of the great second-wine buys of the vintage, "a serious Dame de Montrose, with clear ageing potential," according to Jane Anson.
Best of all, each of these wines is showing out right now and starting to offer prime drinking for any Bordeaux lover who can't resist pulling a cork. And at these prices, you don't have to think twice about it!
Juliette Bécot (also of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot in Saint-Émilion) has done great work in this vintage! The 2019 Joanin Bécot reveals an abundance of cassis, blueberry, flower and violet aromas overlaid with a nuance of graphite. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is perfectly balanced and framed by fine, controlled tannins and power. This wine made a significant impression on me.
93 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
Mulberries, ripe cherries, tobacco leaf, and chalky mineral notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Joanin Bécot, another pure, incredibly elegant, balanced beauty from this family. Readers who love vibrant, elegant, yet still concentrated and impeccably made Bordeaux will love this medium-bodied, seamless 2019 that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)
Evident freshness from the first moment, plenty of body to the savoury red fruits. Everything is in balance and you get both juice, deepening gourmet touches of chocolate shavings and salinity as it builds to the finish. Great stuff, and low SO2 additions.
92 points, Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2020)
Juicy and direct, featuring a mix of black cherry and red currant fruit that stretches out nicely, with singed alder and tobacco notes and a subtle chalky thread that guides the flavors through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2029.
91 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Jan 2022)
A perfumed nose of cherries, currants, plums, violets, clay and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fruity and balanced with a fresh, supple finish. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Drink from 2023.
91 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)
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