Medoc
The Médoc is arguably the most famous red wine district in the world, home to many of the greatest and most renowned names of Bordeaux. Stretching north-west from the city of Bordeaux with the Gironde estuary to the east, the vineyards extend up to eight miles from the river and run for about 50 miles northwards. As a rule of thumb, the greatest wines are made at those properties closest to the water.
The Médoc is arguably the most famous red wine district in the world, home to many of the greatest and most renowned names of Bordeaux. It stretches north-west from the city of Bordeaux with the Gironde estuary to the east. The vineyards extend up to eight miles from the river and run for about 50 miles northwards. It is a surprisingly dull landscape, with the best land found on gravelly outcrops.
The most northerly, low-lying vineyards are classified as Bas-Médoc, whilst those on higher ground, closer to the city of Bordeaux, are entitled to the Haut-Médoc appellation. Within that appellation, there are further communal or village appellations, namely Listrac and Moulis, and the four great names of St. Estèphe, Pauillac, St Julien and Margaux. As a rule of thumb, the greatest wines are made at those properties closest to the river.
Recommended Châteaux from the Bas-Médoc: Ch. Le Boscq, Ch. Patache d'Aux, Ch. Potensac, Ch. la Tour de By, Ch. La Tour Carnet, La Tour Haut-Caussan, Ch. La Tour-St-Bonnet, Ch. Verdignan, Ch. Rolland de By
Recommended châteaux from the Haut-Médoc : Ch. La Lagune, Ch. Cantemerle, Ch d’Agassac, Ch. Belgrave, Ch. Camensac, Ch. Charmail, Ch. Cissac, Ch. Citran, Ch. Lanessan, Ch. Liversan, Ch. du Moulin Rouge, Ch. Sociando-Mallet, Ch. La Tour Carnet, Ch. Verdignan, Ch. d’Arche, Ch. Beaumont, Ch. Lamothe-Bergeron
Prices:
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl23cs
Bottle
£19.90
Bottle 12 x 75cl35cs
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate #227, Oct 2016
Bottle
£21.50
For many years, Fifth Growth Ch. Camensac remained in obscurity, producing wines well below Cru Classé standard. In 1965 it was bought by the Forner brothers, who replanted the vineyards, renovated the cuverie and cellars, and hired the renowned Bordeaux oenologist Professor Emile Peynaud as a consultant. Today the estate produces concentrated wines that emphasise elegance, finesse and balance. This is a sterling effort from 2010, one of the most iconic Bordeaux vintages.
Concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry dominate the nose, with lifted herbal notes along with toasty wood-smoke and baking spice. These complex notes continue through onto the palate with further hedgerow fruit and classic cigar-box notes. Medium-bodied, this wine is still in its youth and will continue to evolve beautifully over the coming eight to 10 years. Drink now to 2027.
Bottle
£27.75
Bottle 12 x 75cl67cs
From a hugely popular château, delivering great-value traditional Bordeaux, this 2003 is atypically fleshy and seductively crafted, presenting a rich ball of ripe dark fruit wrapped in a layer of humus and mulch. Drinking supremely well now with a low-acid, easy finish.
Bottle
£31.25
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
The result is a wine of great complexity, one of the very best in the appellation. The 2004 is rich in blackcurrant aromas, with plenty of tannin. It would partner sweet meat such as lamb, as well as hard cheeses such as Gruyère.
Magnum
£62.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl29cs
D. Magnum
£185.00
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl92cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
(56% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot)
Simon Staples, Fine Wine Director
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
Philip Moulin, Fine Wine Buyer
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Philip Moulin, Fine Wine Buyer
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
The result is a wine of great complexity, one of the very best in the appellation. Perfect for lovers of traditional Claret; the 2002 is a stylish wine with concentrated ripe black fruit flavours and fine tannins. It displays considerable length on the palate with a firm structure underpinning the fruit. It is from one of our favourite vintages.