Outstanding 2016 Vintage Best Buy Bordeaux

New 92 Point Bordeaux has just arrived!

When I talk about buying Bordeaux, I always mention the importance of the vintage quality. However, I often forget to mention that Bordeaux is actually home to many great values, and maybe, the best place to search for value in France! When one thinks about this wine growing region, usually what comes to mind is the great names and world-famous Chateaux like Lafite, Latour, Petrus, or Haut Brion. Wines from these well-known Chateaux can cost upwards of $1,000 a bottle on release, and there are many other wines released at prices well over $100 a bottle. There are around 10,000 properties in Bordeaux and when there is an excellent harvest like 2016 was, you will find a sea of fantastic wine, many of them priced under $20.00 a bottle, like the Medoc we have on sale today!

Chateau Blaignan is one of the oldest winemaking estates in the Medoc region of Bordeaux with documents showing that vineyards were planted here nearly 600 years ago. The property has over 200 acres planted on the highest part of the village of Blaignan which is in the northern part of Bordeaux, just north of the famed villages of Pauillac and Saint Estephe. The soil here is rich in clay and limestone, similar to the right bank of Bordeaux more so than the left bank which is why we see a higher percentage of Merlot planted. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.

The estate is owned by Credit Agricole, a company that also owns Grand Crus such as Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse (5th Growth), Chateau Rayne Vigneau (1st Growth Sauternes) and Chateau Meyney, a top property in Saint Estephe. They are as committed to the growth of Chateau Blaignan as much as these other great estates, recently having invested about 3 million euros in both the vineyards and the cellar. The wines have improved significantly over the last decade with winemaker and Managing Director Anne La Naour at the helm with Hubert de Bouard consulting. You may recognize the de Boulard name, he is the owner of one of my favorite estates in Saint Emilion, Chateau Angelus.

This wine ships in wood cases, I would recommend trying a bottle and if you enjoy it as much as I do, consider a case. The wooden case is a great way to store this wine that is already six years old and can be enjoyed over the next five years or so. This is a great medium-bodied red to enjoy with food, especially pork loin, or simple meals like hamburgers or pizza. There have been quite a few new additions to our Bordeaux section in the stores recently. with more arriving over the next few weeks. 

Château Blaignan Médoc 2016 750mL

92 Points – James Suckling
"Attractive violets and red currants with darker forest berries and graphite, too. The palate has a lithe and plush red-fruit core. Vibrant berries abound.” – James Suckling