Bordeaux Gems

STAGE 7 – Flat – Hagetmau to Bordeaux – 175.1 km

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Poitevin rolls out of the glass with expressive notes of redcurrant jelly, blackberries and Morello cherries, plus wafts of wild sage and menthol. The medium-bodied palate gives a good amount of crunchy red and black fruits with a soft texture and bags of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. LISA PERROTTO-BROWN, The Wine Advocate

Nose is elegant and oak is well integrated. Notes of vanilla, violets, blackcurrant leaf, dark chocolate and cloves. Palate has same leafy black fruit, discreet oak and pliable but slightly grainy tannins. DECANTER

Château Poitevin has long been one of those under-the-radar Médoc estates that consistently punches above its weight. Family owned for generations, the estate farms sustainably across gravel-rich soils ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Their philosophy is refreshingly classical: careful vineyard work, sensible extraction and patient élevage produce Bordeaux that offers authenticity without the grand cru price tag.

The superb 2018 vintage has now settled into a lovely drinking window, allowing both fruit and savoury complexity to shine. Matured in French oak before extended bottle ageing, it delivers everything we love about properly cellared Left Bank Bordeaux. As the Tour rolls into Bordeaux, there's hardly a more fitting companion than a mature Médoc enjoyed on a cool winter's evening.

The 2022 Lilian Ladouys is distinguished by its intensely aromatic, savory bouquet. Medium in body, with lovely persistence and fine balance, the 2022 is very nicely done. Pungent aromatics give this a decidedly eccentric character. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel (a blend of 73% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged in 20% new oak barriques), rolls effortlessly out of the glass with cheery, open-knit scents of plum preserves, boysenberries and Black Forest cake plus wafts of woodsmoke and pencil lead. The soft-textured, medium-bodied palate is bursting with juicy black fruits, lifted by a lively backbone and finishing with lovely purity. LISA-PEROTTI BROWN, The Wine Advocate

The 2018 Goulée By Cos D'Estournel comes from the northern Médoc (north of Saint-Estèphe) and is mostly Merlot blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The northern Médoc excelled in 2018, and readers will love this wine. Lots of black cherry and darker berry fruits as well as leafy herbs, cedarwood, and a touch of tobacco define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, round, nicely texture mouthfeel, some floral notes with air, and a fresh yet balanced finish. It's the finest version of this cuvée to date and is ideal for enjoying over the coming 5-7 years. JEB DUNNUCK

Fleur d'O'Ceale, produced in Cissac-Médoc, offers a more approachable expression of Petit's style while maintaining the same attention to detail. The vineyards sit on sandy and clay-limestone soils and are planted mainly to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand harvesting and extended oak ageing contribute to a wine that is fresh, well balanced, and harmoniously framed by subtle oak, designed for earlier enjoyment while remaining true to classic Left Bank character.

 

Château Brane-Cantenac “Mosaïque” is a relatively recent and more accessible cuvée from this highly regarded Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) Margaux estate. Rather than being a second wine in the traditional sense, Mosaïque is a parcel selection wine — a blend of fruit from specific vineyard plots across the Brane-Cantenac estate that don’t go into the grand vin but still reflect the character of the property. It’s essentially a different lens on the estate, aiming for immediacy and drinkability rather than long-term structure.

A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot (and occasionally small amounts of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot) The idea behind Mosaïque is to offer a window into the Brane-Cantenac terroir at a more everyday level. A smartly made, elegant Margaux that leans toward immediacy and charm rather than power and longevity a great way to tap into a top estate without the wait or the price of the grand vin.

The 2018 Bernadotte is a flamboyant, unctuous Haut-Médoc that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Inky, jammy dark fruit, mocha and sweet spice envelope the palate in a racy, expressive everyday red that delivers the goods. The 2018 is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Cadet de Blanzac is a Bordeaux Supérieur red made by the team behind Château de Blanzac, located on the right bank of Bordeaux (closer to areas like Fronsac and Côtes de Bordeaux rather than the Médoc). Essentially the second wine (or “cadet” cuvée) of the estate designed to be more approachable, earlier-drinking, and good value while still reflecting the house style.
.

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!