High QPR Bordeaux from obscure purveyors — seeking more like this

Hope to manage to try these too—thanks!

I think so — but I’m honestly not quite sure. I’ve tasted across that rustic–polished gradient, and yet often haven’t found that elusive quality I’m chasing. I wish I could articulate it better! Hopefully after exploring some of the suggestions in this thread, I’ll be able to zero in on it more clearly.

As an additional counter-example: I’ve had the (rather more expensive) 2006 Château La Croix-Toulifaut. While I certainly appreciated it, it didn’t come close — at least to my palate — to the two wines I first mentioned. I might even say the La Croix-Toulifaut objectively seemed like a “better” wine in some respects, yet still lacked that distinctive quality I’m seeking.

Really appreciate your and everyone’s generosity in helping, especially with such vague and subjective descriptors!

Haven’t tried any of the wines OP posted about, however Chateau Maison Blanche from Montagne St Emilion has been fantastic, at least in 2010 and 2015.

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One I’ve had recently that, by red Bordeaux standards, punched above its weight at ~US$20: 2020 Château Carbonneau La Franc Touch.

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From that website:

LE REYSSE surprises on the palate with a multidimensionality that creates a space filled with a unique combination of pure complexity, seductive elegance and sublime subtlety; this expands into a never-ending finale. By expressing this stylistic elegance, LE REYSSE incidentally makes density, richness and opulence a secondary matter, thus marking a charmingly clear opposition to the diffuseness of exaggerated extraction giants and emphasising its uniqueness in the reflection on the independent character of finesse as the essential. Off the beaten track, this unique finesse of LE REYSSE invites you to discover fascinating worlds of taste with facets of aromatic precision that, for all the diversity of the wine world, offers a surprisingly independent new discovery.

@C0byV is that what you’re looking for? :laughing:

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I’m curious, as I taste over 1,500 Bordeaux wines every year, and I’ve only tasted two of the wines you have mentioned, where are you getting these recommendations?

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And where are you finding these wines?

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Mostly at various restaurants, with interesting wine lists. Sometimes at specific wine stores, often in places I happen to be near.

They were not usually recommended by anyone per se. They’re wines I tried at various restaurants that happened to have them or at compelling price points at the occasional store (I thought). I happened to select them, generally, save occasional suggestions at a restaurant.