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:
Bottle
£12.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 98cs
Château Labadie, a standard-bearer for the Médoc AOC, was recently shortlisted for the Coupe des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc 2017.
Will Heslop, Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Bottle
£15.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 15cs
However, this was easily offset by an impressive depth of ripe fruit, and there is a lovely sense of harmony in the wine. Needs ages, but worth putting away for a decade or so.
Bottle
£22.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 207cs
40% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Bottle
£22.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 200cs
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 75cl 49cs
Bottle
£28.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 210cs
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 75cl 11cs
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 150cl 3cs
D. Magnum
£185.00
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 77cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
(Joss Fowler, BBR Fine Wine Sales)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
A splendid accompaniment to fish pie.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd.