Two Imaginary Boys: Pichon-Lalande
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Aug 2019
What links a historic and esteemed Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac with Robert Smith of English rock band, “The Cure”? You might be surprised by the answer in this alternative take on Pichon-Lalande…
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Cellar Favorite: 1904 & 1948 Langoa-Barton
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Aug 2019
It is a shame that Langoa-Barton is destined to lie in the shadow of its sibling, Léoville-Barton, because it produces a great Saint-Julien wine in its own right. Moreover, that wine has a propensity to age in bottle with just as much élan.
Vinous Table: TentaziOni, Bordeaux, France
France: Bordeaux, Vinous Table
, Jul 2019
After two packed weeks of tasting through several hundred 2018 Bordeaux en primeur samples, this dinner was a rare moment to simply relax and enjoy delicious food, superb wine and spirited conversation.
Precious Clay: L’Eglise-Clinet 1929–2015
Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Bordeaux, featured
, Jul 2019
Pomerol runs through the veins of proprietor Denis Durantou, who single-handedly has made L’Eglise-Clinet one of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux. This article examines how recent vintages are evolving, as well as rare gems back to the Twenties.
"G" Acte 1 to 8
Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Bordeaux, featured
, Jul 2019
The Guinaudeau family, owners of Lafleur, unveiled “Acte” almost a decade ago. Following a complete vertical in London, their right-hand man Omri Ram explains the concept behind Acte and why they feel it deserves a new name.
Finally: Bordeaux 2015 In Bottle
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Jul 2019
Back in January I re-tasted over 200 of the top Bordeaux 2015s at the annual “Southwold” blind tasting. Does it deserve to be in the top tier of vintages…or not? Time to find out.
Cellar Favorite: 1970 Gallais Bellevue
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, Jun 2019
I procured two or three bottles of the 1970 Gallais Bellevue from a Saint-Émilion retailer not because I had a clue who or what Gallais Bellevue was, but because of the name of the proprietor, Paul Delon.
Finding Filhot: Filhot 1935-2015
Verticals & Retrospectives, France: Bordeaux, featured
, May 2019
Filhot is among the largest and grandest estates in Sauternes, yet over many years of experience, its wines often pose as many questions as answers. Would visiting the estate, plus a vertical tasting stretching back decades, alter my opinion?
Cellar Favorite: 1934 Cheval Blanc
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Bordeaux
, May 2019
Naming my favorite Bordeaux château is always a difficult task, but if forced to choose my top five, I would unquestionably include the property that is Pomerol in all but classification: Cheval Blanc. The vintage that alerted me to the pedigree of Cheval Blanc’s old vintages is not the legendary 1947 nor the fabled 1921, but the 1934.
Bordeaux 2018: Back in Black
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Apr 2019
Two thousand eighteen was one of the most dramatic growing seasons in recent memory. Hail, persistent rain and blistering summertime temperatures tested the resilience of vineyard managers and winemakers throughout the entire year. Perhaps most importantly, though, 2018 comes at a significant inflection point in Bordeaux’s history. So, how did the wines turn out?