The annual Bordeaux release is one of the most exciting days of the year for wine enthusiasts in B.C. There are so many wines that are being offered and it is very confusing to most consumers. So here is my list of recommended wines available at BC Liquor Stores starting today (prices, before taxes, are indicated in brackets):
Alter Ego de Palmer ($135)
If there is one wine I would purchase, it would be this wine. This is the second wine from superstar Margaux winery Chateau Palmer. Chateau Palmer is priced this year at $850 so the winery’s second wine is a steal at a sixth of the price! Even though this is a second wine, it is better than a lot of other Growth wines being offered. Rated 96 points by James Suckling
Chateau Carbonnieux ($85)
This a great combination of a relatively affordable wine with a long history of quality. The red wine is a blend of 49 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 45 per cent Merlot, 4 per cent Petit Verdot and 2 per cent Cabernet Franc. The winery makes a very good white wine as well, also priced at $85. Rated 93 points by Wine Spectator.
Chateau Dalem ($58)
This is one of the best value wines offered in this release, which is from the Fronsac region of Bordeaux. This is one of the few wines of the Bordeaux release that may be ready for drinking immediately after purchase. It is a blend of 90 per cent Merlot and 10 per cent Cabernet Franc. Rated 94 points by James Suckling
Chateau Haut Batailley ($145)
This is the fifth growth wine from the prestigious Pauillac region. Haut Batailley has been producing some stellar wines over the last few vintages. This wine is a blend of 62 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 38 per cent Merlot. Due to the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine will need at least another five years before it is ready to drink. Rated 95 points by Wine Spectator
Chateau Lafleur-Gazin ($85)
Pomerol wines are normally quite expensive as the area is quite small and known for producing softer, earthier wines. When you can purchase a relatively affordable Pomerol, you should take the opportunity. Lafleur-Gazin, as its name suggests, is located very close to Chateau Lafleur and Chateau Gazin, two of Pomerol’s most prestigious wineries. The wine is made with 100 per cent Merlot grapes so it is also a candidate for early drinking. Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator
Chateau Pavie Macquin ($145)
Another tremendous wine from the St. Emilion region in the Right Bank of Bordeaux. This wine is a blend of 80 per cent Merlot and 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and will give you drinking pleasure for more than 20 years. Rated 95 points by Wine Spectator.
Chateau Talbot ($150)
This winery is a perennial fan favourite among wine enthusiasts for value. It is a fourth growth wine from the St. Julien region and is a blend of 76 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 21 per cent Merlot and 3 per cent Petit Verdot. You will need to be patient, however, as this wine will not be ready to drink for at least another eight years. Rated 95 points by Wine Spectator.
Chateau de France ($55)
There are many reasonably priced white Bordeaux wines offered this year. Chateau de France is a blend of 80 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 20 per cent Semillon. It will drink nicely right away, but it will also be good for at least the next five years. Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator.
For more of my wine recommendations, visit my YouTube channel. Until next time, happy drinking!
