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
£15.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 199cs
40% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Bottle
£22.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 47cs
Case price (Magnum 6 x 150cl)
Magnum 6 x 150cl 7cs
D. Magnum
£185.00
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 8cs
Case price (Imperial 1 x 600cl)
Imperial 1 x 600cl 2cs
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.
Case price (D. Magnum 1 x 300cl)
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 49cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
(Joss Fowler, BBR Fine Wine Sales)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
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.