BDX Rec for Newbie

WINE TALK
1

Normally a Napa Cab/Paso Rhone drinker and never tries good Bdx but am thinking about trying some via 2023 futures. Which of the 4 below would be recommended? Any others in the <$100 range?

Beychevelle @ $77.
Leoville Porferre @ $77
Ducru Beaucaillou @ $155
Lynch Bages @ $92

2

If you drink Napa and Paso I’d go in order below.

Poyferre
Ducru
Lynch Bages
Beychevelle

My personal choice would be Lynch Bages, Ducru, Poyferre , and Beychevelle.

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3

I’d agree with Kris, Lynch Bages, then Ducru, then Poyferre. Have always been unimpressed with Beychevelle.

If you like Napa, highly recommend you include some Margaux, all of these are under $100-

Malescot St-Exupéry
Alter Ego de Palmer
Brane-Cantenac
Cantenac Brown
d’Issan

4

If you are new to this region/style…why even buy EP? Just buy something off the shelf to see if the wait and monies make sense to you. I guess if someone was putting a knife to my throat demanding a choice I’d go with the Poyferre given your taste preferences.

There is a lot of hype from the Bordeaux marketing machine, and although I love the wines, I don’t buy EP any more. It doesn’t make sense.

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5

I’m drinking a 2019 Chateau Carbonnieux that I found at Costco for 33.99. Solar vintage, plenty of fruit, good depth, and enough Bordeaux character. It reminds me of a Bordeaux-centric California producer like Calluna. If you can find it it’s a great BDX for a newbie with a California palate.

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6

Agree with Arv and Matt. There’s really good low priced Bdx you can buy now and try. Explore there and let that guide you. You can also buy at all maturity levels and price ranges.

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7

2nd on the Chateau Carbonnieux as a great random entry point to Bordeaux. Had the 2020 recently from Costco for $36.99 here in Raleigh, NC and it drank wonderfully with many layers of black fruit, iodine, and other things I can’t recall now, but I look forward to the next two bottles.

Another interesting entry point would be Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucalliou, their 3rd wine, which truly “goes the distance.” For $32.99 it lasted almost five days of nightly check-ins before it finally started to give out. I’ve never seen a third wine go that far, and it truly has give me a great regard for Ducru and what they’re doing. Still fully St. Julien.

Good luck!

8

This. 100%.

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9

Yeah agree with this as well. Find something currently ln the shelf and see if you even like it before buying futures. There is great value in Bordeaux and readily available back vintages.

10

Larry, seriously, get something that is available. I just checked Internetwines.com, a go-to source, and they still have a lot of Classified Growths from 2016 and 2019 for under $100. They even have Beychevelle and Leoville Poyferre. Order some of their stuff rather than waiting another 12-18 months just to see if you even like Bordeaux. Given your preference for Paso Robles, my expectation is that you will like the more modern styled Bordeaux and/or the right bank wines made more with merlot. Of the 4 on your list, Leoville Poyferre would fit that profile.

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11

Solid advice from people who drink a lot of Bordeaux. I mean a lot. :smile:

12

What Alfert said. Seems like you are in the Chicago area so would definitely recommend internet wines. I wish they shipped to NJ…

When I was in an area internet wines would ship, they did an excellent job and bottles were sound.

13

Hey Larry, a few people already chimed in on buying a bottle(s) and trying it. Also this vintage may not be for you as it relates to a crossover palate (not saying it is or isn’t).

My suggestions - take all, some or none. You are welcome to look at my cellar and tasting notes to see if our palate aligns but a few items:

  1. I would start with warmer vintages as those will be closer (not that close) to a better cross over wine vs classical (rainy/cooler) having much less fruit
  2. stay with wines that are more giving, round, etc which you might benefit from Pomerol over other areas (just an example)
  3. chateau style of more open, round fruit, supple style vs all graphite and mineral with less extraction (just an example not real)

When looking to convert (as I learned over time) my friends I would pick from below and start their journey)
Vieux Chateau Certan (2nd label Gravettw de Certan)
Calon Segur
Malescot st exupery
Brane Cantenac
Leoville Potferre (older vintage before the recent changes changes)
Troplong Mondot (earlier vintages before 2018)
Les Carmes Haut Brion- 2016+
Ducru Beaucaillou 2015/2016
Chateau beaussjour duffau
Chateau canon
Rauzan segla
Pichon lalande 2020
Vieux chateau certan
Feytit Clinet

Good luck

14

Try to buy / taste some aged Bdx. That’s a major factor in your buying strategy going forward.

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15

But some 2015s or 2018s. 2023 is sounding like anything but a Napa/Bdx crossover vintage.