BORDEAUX SUPPLEMENT

REDBORDEAUX

THEMÉDOC ANDCÔTE DE FRANCS The Médoc, of course, refers to the overall region, stretching to the northwest from the city of Bordeaux to the marshes along the estuary, encompassing most of the famous communes. Outside of these communes, the wines take on two regional appellations. The northern region the Bas-Médoc, or, simply, Médoc, tends to consist of low-lying sandy-soiled vineyards some of which reclaimed from marshland by the Dutch in the 1600s. Closer to Bordeaux, and on the higher ground, wines from the Haut-Médoc tend to be better regarded, but excellent wines come from both. Especially our hidden gem Les Ormes Sorbet, north of St. Estèphe. These appellations are regularly reviewed so the Châteaux need to earn their gongs. There is really good value to be found here and some serious wines. Other satellite appellations such as the Côte de Francs can also offer excellent value for more fruit-forward and easy drinking wines. We picked out a handful of favourites from tasting this year which we really believe offer incredible value for money.

CHÂTEAUPUYGUERAUD 63% Merlot, 30% Cabernet franc, 7% Malbec. Red and black fruit on nose with a lovely cherry note. A restrained and cool style. The palate shows more sweet red and bramble fruit with firm grippy tannins giving a solid structure all the way through to the finish. Solid and serious. DRINK: 2026 - 2038 £105 - £120 / 12 BOTTLES WA88-90 CHÂTEAUSÉNÉJAC, CRUBOURGEOIS 54% Cabernet sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 10% Cabernet franc, 4% Petit verdot. An attractive brambly, velvety nose. Classic pencil lead comes through the dark fruit. The palate is laced with dark fruit. This is elegant and has an excellent freshness. The palate is juicy and focused on the fruit. Well-structured, classic, this finish is fine and fresh. Very

CHÂTEAUMAUVESINBARTON 46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet sauvignon, 16% Cabernet franc, 2% Petit verdot. The nose is cool, full of juicy fruit fromthe high percentage of Merlot in the blend. The medium bodied palate is quite lean with crunchy fruit notes backed up by a fine tannin which bring weight to the lifted finish. There is salinity here and a light smoke note from a well measured use of oak aging. Quietly impressive. DRINK: 2026 - 2038 £120 - £140 / 12 BOTTLES CHÂTEAUCANTEMERLE, 5ÈMECRU 64% Cabernet sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet franc, 4% Petit verdot. A generous sweet, lifted, red fruit nose with some Cabernet-driven dark fruit. The palate is elegant with more red fruit and hint of violet. The grippy tannin delivers medium weight. Very traditional although quite punchy. The finish is dark and inky. Cool and classic. DRINK: 2028 - 2040 £200 - £240 / 12 BOTTLES WA90-91 The 2021 Cantemerle is “a very strong effort ... charming... a generous core of fruit” -WILLIAMKELLEY,WINEADVOCATE

drinkable as always. DRINK: 2026 - 2038

£115 - £135 / 12 BOTTLES

WA88-90

The 2021 Sénéjac is “a fine effort ... supple tannins and charming, open personality ... Talbot’s Jean-Michel Laporte is the winemaker.” -WILLIAMKELLEY,WINEADVOCATE

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Farthinghoe Fine Wine Ltd FARTHINGHOEFINEWINE.COM