I know that it’s vintage dependent as a Bordeaux in one vintage can be way under $75 and be well over $75 in another…but I’m asking for the “value” play here.
I tend to lean towards the more “traditional” styles and like to drink: Leoville Barton, Beychevelle, Ducru, Figeac, Lynch Bages, Rauzan Segla and Clerc Milon.
I recently had a bottle of 89 Cos Labory that was fantasic as well as an 82 and 89 Meyney which were both outstanding. I’ll be adding both the lists of BDX to look out for…any others that fit the bill? I’m trying to find more “affordable” BDX.
Domaine de Chevalier would be my first choice. It can usually be found for that price or lower. I also like Cantemerle, Rol Valentin and Haut Bergey at their respective price points.
My current go-to Bordeaux in this price class are:
Cantemerle
La Louviere
Sociando Mallet
Lanessan
Poujeaux
Batailly
Gloria
La Lagune
I would list more from my meager collection but many of my old favorites are now over $75. No worries, though, as there is a wealth of fine Bordeaux in this price category.
Brian and Robert, how would you describe the 2010 Senejac? I see its available for just under $20 in my area. The Cambon La Pelouse as well.
Robert, I am now a Lanessan fan. I’m finding it hard to keep my hands off of the 10, enjoyed a 2000 over the weekend and just received two 96’s from wine bid. Plan to pick up some 09 too. I’d like to find some others in this price range.
Gazin, Rouget, and La Grave a Pomerol are under that price point on release (and often years later) and offer a traditional Pomerol. The first two are particularly ageworthy, so older vintages will be fine if you pick them up later. I’ve had them going back maybe 30+ years and rarely are they truly over the hill.
A Meyney to try and track down is their 86. I always thought it was the best one they made in the 66-00 time period. (Everything Cordier that year was brilliant) Never a speculators wine, so perhaps its still reasonably priced. Another one, that can be hard to find later, is Carmes Haut Brion. Unique in its heavy reliance on Cabernet Franc in the cepage, most of the time, so usually very distinctive.
1995 as a vintage overall might be one to check out. The wines were hard, and maybe owners have gotten tired of cellaring them for two decades, and will part with them. Both sides of the river are good as well. And at age 20, they ought to be shaping up finally.
Sorry for the late reply, Jeff; I didn’t see your post until now, when the thread got bumped. I hope it’s not too late for you to buy some of the Senejac for sub-$20!
2010 Château Sénéjac- France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc (3/29/2014)
– popped and poured –
– tasted a couple pours, blind, over approx. 1.5 hours –
Nose was very pleasant: red-fruited; high-toned; lots of verve; excellent. Medium bodied. Well-balanced on the palate: great acid; floral; red-fruited; hint of garrigue on the finish; excellent; ridiculous QPR. One of my favorite wines of the day.
Very cool, Jeff! I’ve not had the '10 Senejac yet, glad you revived this thread as it’s a remainder to grab some. Am about to order a case of the '14 at $12.99 per!
The 2010 Cambon La Pelouse could be the QPR of the vintage. It’s larger scale than Lannesan, candidly more flavorful, but not not in any over-done sense of the word. I bought a lot of this wine. Neal Mollen, who has impeccable taste in Bordeaux, spoke pretty highly of it as well.
I’m drinking a 2000 Chateau Peyrabon right now that I just grabbed for $29.99. Bought three. Pretty classic profile, red fruits, medium weight, high-80s on score. Nice stuff.
Arv - Carmes Haut Brion is a great recommendation. Love the Cab Franc profile in the wine. Had a '99 a few months ago that was smokin! Wish more Bordeaux had higher concentrations in Cab Franc.
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