I asked for recommendations a year ago for modern leaning Bordeaux to select from 2015 futures. Many helpful replies. This time I’m also interested in selecting some 2016’s that could be approachable in the near term, say 5+ years of bottle age. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines are acceptable. I have already decided to purchase Meyney and Lilian Ladouys. What else can you recommend?
I try not to drink BDX that young, but Lilian Ladouys is one I find drinks well early. Not much help since you’ve already bought that! Some of the petite chateaux I enjoy that might drink well on the young side would include Faizeau, Cap de Faugeres, Puygeuraud, Saintayme, and Beaulieu Comtes de Tastes. I offer these with the caveat that some I haven’t had in recent vintages and can’t speak to current quality.
Capbern
Why not the same ones as 2015?
Château d’Aiguilhe
Cotes de castillion
property of Count Neipperg
should be available for 20.00 or less
A unique choice would be Chateau Bolaire, which has more old vine petit verdot than any other Bordeaux. Generally easy to find, and around $15. I’ve enjoyed it young as an excellent every-day drinker, and yesterday popped a 2005 that is both quite good and still has the stuffing to go for years.
Try some 2016 Lanessan as well, this vintage with Hubert at the winemaking helm could be for you, Leve calling it his favorite vintage of this wine, this once-so-classic Bordeaux. I really like the 2014, but 2016 could be a more forward vintage.
I’m not a fan of the d’Aiguilhe, past vintages showing way too much oak for me, but perhaps 2016 is different.
I will likely make some repeat purchases; however, none of my choices for 2015 were made with early consumption in mind.
Ch. Citran for its sweet fine tannins and standout fruit. From 2016 you cannot go wrong in St Estephe so to add to your delicious Meyney, I’d look at good second wines such as Marquis de Calon (seductive in 2016 AND 2017) and in a slightly more classic vein, Cos Labory 2016 - the best at that property since 1990. Under the radar for now is Ch Pedesclaux from Pauillac, also a great success in 2016. A French industrialist, Jacky Loronzetti, has poured money into this property over the last few vintages and 2016 is the one where it all came together to produce a wine of enormous harmony, gorgeous sweet fruit yet without any excess. A bit more money these days than the other suggestions, but well worth it.
Anything from Jonathan Maltus:
Le Carré
Vieux Château Mazerat
Les Astéries
Le Dôme
Back in the day, I actually thought that the white, Le Nardian, was the best wine in his portfolio.
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Nick, Thanks for your suggestions. My local wine merchant is offering the Pedesclaux and Marquis de Calon. Will add those to my shopping list.
A lot of Jeff Davies wines will fit the bill.