12 Sep 2023
Welcome to this week’s Wine Times which is dedicated to celebrating the fantastic wines from Bordeaux.
I must admit though, it wasn’t my idea! Penny Edwards and her team at Cellar Door Wines are helping customers to discover Bordeaux wines throughput the whole of September and very kindly sent me a trio of wines from her range, along with a delightful wine cooler, a handy bottle opener and an informative Bordeaux map.
Bordeaux, in South-West France is one of the world’s most highly revered wine-growing regions, with some of the most sought-after wines in the world come from this classic region. The region is home to over 10,000 wine estates and more than 60 appellations, each with its own unique terroir and wine styles. Bordeaux wines are typically known for their complexity, depth, and ability to age.
In addition to my love of Rioja, and Burgundy, I do have a soft spot for Bordeaux which all started during a long summer holiday spent travelling round the various vineyards and starting my first en primeur wine collection.
So, without further ado, let me introduce this week’s selection of Bordeaux recommendations!
First in the line-up is: Château Buisson-Redon, Bordeaux Blanc Sauvignon 2020 (£13.95).
This is a rich style of Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and full of green, herbal flavours, with a complexity and good acidity which will make a great food accompaniment.
Next we have the Château La Tour de By, Médoc, Bordeaux 2016 (£26.95).
Chateau La Tour de By has a long history in the Medoc that can be traced back to the 1700s as a vineyard.
However, the creation of the estate dates back much further than that, as it was founded all the way back in 1599, making it one of the oldest properties in the Medoc.
The large, 74-hectare vineyard of Chateau La Tour de By is planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The terroir is typical of that part of the region with its gravel-based soils. The vines are old at 40 years of age.
Medium-bodied, fully developed, and already easy to drink. This round, lush, soft, dark cherry, cocoa, and earthy-tasting wine will be best over the next few years but definitely has the potential to age further.
Its rich, powerful with silky tannins and is full of gorgeous black fruits, along with blueberries and spice. The 2016 vintage is in my opinion, the best Médoc red wine produced since 2010!
And last but not least, Château Fayau, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 2012 (£19.95).
Owned by the Medeville family since 1826, Château Fayau is located in picturesque old market town of Cadillac, on the right bank of the Garonne River some 30 km upstream from Bordeaux.
This sweety wine has wonderful aromas of melon, peach and honey. The palate is rich, ripe and viscous, well balanced with a lot of exotic fruits and sweet apricot, combined with some honeyed notes. An awesome value sweet white!
If these three remarkable wines have piqued your interest, I encourage you to explore more Bordeaux favourites at Cellar Door Wines.
On September 16, Penny and her team will host a special wine tasting and lunch, a celebration of the diverse facets of Bordeaux.
This event will feature wines spanning various price points, hailing from different villages and grape blends.
Tickets are available here and those lucky enough to secure a ticket will be treated to eight different wines from around the appellation:
* Château Buisson-Redon Bordeaux Blanc Sauvignon 2020
* Château de France Pessac Léognan Blanc 2020
* Château Milon Cuvée Caprice St Emilion 2021
* Château Chêne Liège Pomerol 2013
* Chateau La Tour de By Medoc 2016
* Margaux Chateau La Galiane 2014
* Chateau Meyney Saint Estèphe 2016
* Chateau Fayau Cadillac 2012
This is a seated tasting in our shop at Hatfield House. Your ticket includes a light lunch of French cheese, charcuterie, bread and salad from Wild Alban.
If you can’t make the tasting events then worry not, as various Bordeaux styles will be available for tasting at both Cellar Door shops throughout September. And keep your eye out for a few Bordeaux case deals that Penny will be adding to the website over the next few days.
So, whether you’re a seasoned Bordeaux enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this September promises a delightful journey through the vineyards and flavours of Bordeaux, courtesy of Cellar Door Wines. Cheers to a month of Bordeaux brilliance!
If you’re enjoying my recommendations, then please follow me on Instagram @dmc_uncorked.
And if you are a wine retailer or an events company who would like me to feature your range of wines, then please contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com
