The Key to Finding a Deal in Bordeaux #TryThis
Bordeaux has earned its place at the pinnacle of sacred wine regions. Wine collectors clamour to fill their cellars with these prestigious bottles and drive their prices far outside the reaches of the vast majority of wine consumers. At the extreme upper end for example, the 2016 Château Pétrus is expected to be sold for around $4500 per bottle. Now, no offense to Pétrus of course, but I can say with confidence that the quality to cost ratio is out of line here — unless the juice inside that bottle contains fountain of youth properties or a treasure map or something … However, there is a lot from Bordeaux that is worth the price tag, and one of the keys to finding these wines might be in looking to the lesser known appellations. Here are two from the Nicholas Pearce Portfolio (Ontario based) that offers good bang for your buck.
Château Moulin Noir 2011, Montagne Saint Émilion ($25)
Montagne is one of four satellite appellations on the right bank nestled up to the more famous vineyards of Saint Émilion. This wine is Merlot dominant with a touch of Cabernet Franc that adds an appetizing, herbaceous zing. It still has a tight tannin structure, so you could give it a bit of cellar time or enjoy now with a juicy ol’ Ribeye. It is hitting its drinking window now but should have a few years more before the tannins outpace the fruit.
Château Barreyre 1994, Cru Bourgeois, Haut Medoc ($60/1500 ml)
Lots of complexity in this gracefully aging magnum from lesser known commune of Macau, which sits along the Gironde south of Margaux and north of Pessac Léognan. It shows a developed nose of cedar, leather books, and dried violets but still with some fresh character on the palate. Drink up! This one is ready to go. Priced well for a mature wine that needs no extra cellar time.