Bordeaux
Bordeaux has a lot to offer in terms of quality and value especially if you look outside of the 1855 classification. There are less exalted Chateaus who have upped the game with a focus on quality matching passion with investments for modernisation. They focus on quality rather than quantity. My frequent trips to France to visit Chateaus, taste wines regularly, as well as attend Master Classes and special events gives me ample opportunity to identify some of these hidden gems which I am pleased to offer for our clients. Timing is crucial to pick them before the critics notice and prices go up. There is something in this selection to suit every taste whether it be a Grand Cru Classe, Bordeaux Superieur or a Cru Bourgeois.
Chateau Potensac, Medoc
Chateau Potensac is one of the jewels in the crown of Domaines-Delon that includes Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis and Chateau Nenin. All of their estates have the same philosophy to produce wines representative of their terroir! Chateau Potensac’s terroir is very similar to St-Estephe producing wines with long ageing potential inspite of their sublime silky elegance. It usually offers exceptional value and rewards five to 10 years’ cellaring.
The 2011 on offer by us in its ideal drinking window.
Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac
Pontet Canet is one of 17 estates classified as a 5th growth (Cinquièmes Crus) in the 1855 classification. It is a large Pauillac estate that can trace its origins back to 1725, when Jean-François Pontet gave his name to the estate he had acquired. The wine was not château-bottled until 1972 and in 1975 the property was sold to Guy Tesseron, one of the finest exponents of very old, aged Cognacs.
Pauillac is the aristocrat of the Médoc boasting boasting 75 percent of the region’s First Growths. Pontet-Canet's 78 hectares of vineyards adjoin those of Mouton Rothschild.
Chateau de Ribebon, Bordeaux Superieur
The magnificent Chateau dating back to the XVIII century was a shooting lodge of Louis XVI. The terrace offers unparalleled views of the river Dordogne which flows all through the property.
Chateau de Ribebon is classified as a Bordeaux Superieur and is sensibly priced for easy drinking pleasure with a rich elegant taste. The blend is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Cabernet Franc.
Chateau Saint-Christophe, Medoc "Cru Bourgeois"
Château Saint Christophe is located in the heart of the Médoc. It is bordered by the Gironde Estuary, where the vines flourish. In the same family ownership since 1775.
2016 Saint-Christophe was once again officially classified as a Cru Bourgeois attesting to its superior quality. Each bottle carries a sticker of authenticity with a unique number that certifies this. The wine has also won many prestigious medals in Europe. Can be easily paired with many Indian dishes or enjoyed on its own.
Chateau Simard, Saint-Emilion
Château Simard with a legacy dating back to the 17th century, is located near the ancient and beautiful town of Saint-Émilion. Called the hill of 1,000 châteaux, Saint-Émilion is home to the Right Bank’s most prestigious estates. Among the most renowned of these is Chateau Simard’s sibling, Chateau Ausone. It is one of only two estates classified in 1955 as Premiers Grand Crus Classés A.
Château Simard’s vineyard has excellent exposure and predominantly clay soil mixed with sand and gravel. It is surrounded by the regions first growth vineyards. Château Simard’s classical, refined style can be attributed to its fine vineyard location and its blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Chateau La Croix St.Georges,
Pomerol
I was totally blown away when I first tasted La Croix St Georges with Jean-Philippe Jeanoueix. It was the quintessential Pomerol and yet I had never heard of this wine. I always like to follow up such impressions with a visit to the estate to reconfirm my impressions. That’s when I understood there is a reason for why his wine is so special.
His plot borders Le Pin on 2 sides and we all know the astronomical price that Le Pin fetches. Its not just that. Jean-Philippe uses 4 different coopers and the barrels have 2 different shapes. I am a big fan!
Chateau Puygueraud
The appellation of Francs, Côtes de Bordeaux owes its reputation to the Thienpont family who settled in the region after World War II. The Thienpont family own many famous estates in Pomerol & Saint Emilion - Le Pin, Vieux Chateau Certan, Pavie Macquin & Château Puygueraud.
Franc lies east of St. Emilion. Its terroir is mainly made up of clay and limestone soils in rolling hillsides. It is ideal for making red wines mainly from Merlot grapes. Puygueraud is a medieval castle at one of the highest points. The quality level is very good!
Chateau Rauzan Segla
The journey begins on the banks of the estuary and continues along its gently sloping hillsides. The vineyard is born from a shifting tract of land which, on no less than six occasions, have given it its precious gravels from the Pyrenees.
Outstanding terroirs brought into the spotlight by visionary Pierre de Rauzan and sanctified by the famous 1855 classification.
Château Rauzan-Ségla has been lovingly growing the Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, which form the basis of its blend, for over 350 years. The domaine’s exceptional soils produce remarkably well-structured wines in which intensity and finesse conspire to stand the test of time.