Great Drinking Bordeaux Without the Grand Cru Price Tag
Bordeaux is home to some of the world's greatest and most expensive wines, but look beyond the famous names and the region still offers some of the best value wines for everyday drinking, with a proven ability to age beautifully. We've picked out a selection from some of our favourite producers that offer genuine Bordeaux character at sensible prices and, importantly, are ready to drink now.
Starting on the Right Bank, La Chenade 2019 and the "wonderful: exquisitely balanced" Les Cruzelles 2018 (93 NM) were both made by the late Denis Durantou of L'Eglise-Clinet. Sitting just outside Pomerol in Lalande de Pomerol, these offer wonderfully plush, polished Merlot at a fraction of Pomerol prices. William Kelley describes the charming La Chenade 2019 as "one of the great values of Right Bank Bordeaux."
Staying on the Right Bank, Chateau Fonroque 2016 is another standout - a biodynamic Saint Emilion Grand Cru from the pioneering Alain Moueix. Fonroque was the first classified Bordeaux estate to be certified both organic and biodynamic, and the superb 2016 is now entering a real sweet spot, combining ripe, fleshy fruit with vibrant minerality and silky tannins (93 NM).
Across the river in Margaux, Chateau Labegorce is a perennial favourite. This beautifully situated historic estate has enjoyed significant investment under the Perrodo family and a real resurgence in quality. The "stylish" 2017 showcases the generous, polished character of modern Labegorce - classic Margaux elegance with plenty of fruit and charm, at a price that seriously overdelivers.
Heading south to Pessac Leognan, Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2017 brings some of the innovative winemaking and remarkable finesse of one of Bordeaux's most exciting estates at a much more accessible price. Refined, aromatic and beautifully balanced, it is a brilliant introduction to the distinctive style of Les Carmes Haut-Brion.
Finally, for straightforward classic claret at brilliant value, it's hard to look past Chateau Beaumont 2019 from the Haut-Medoc. Made from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot, it combines cassis and dark berry fruit with cedar, gentle spice and the freshness and structure you want from the Left Bank.
Characterful, beautifully made wines from excellent producers and vintages, offering far more complexity than their prices might suggest. Whether you're after the plush Merlot of the Right Bank or the more structured, savoury character of the Left, these are wines to open, enjoy and come back to. Proper Bordeaux to pull from the rack, open with dinner and enjoy with friends.