January 5, 2024
2021 Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux
Chateau Chauvin
2021 was a great year for Chateau Chauvin
Chateau Chauvin’s 2021 Grand Cru Classé is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc.
This wine has fine-grained even tannin, acid, and fruit concentration. It presents primary aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, ripe black currant, licorice, and cinnamon. It has secondary aromas of coffee and vanilla, and tertiary aromas of tobacco and prune. This well-balanced wine will age well.
Located in the southwest of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, most of Chateau Chauvin’s soil is sandy clay with iron-rich subsoil similar to that found in parts of nearby Pomerol.
Chateau Chauvin’s long-established vineyard was acquired in 2014 by Sylvie Cazes who has modernized and upgraded its operation.
January 2, 2024
2021 Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux
Chateau Franc Mayne
I really like this wine
2021 Chateau Franc Mayne is 100% Merlot.
In the glass, its color is deep purple with a ruby rim. Aromas of violet, plum, and coffee precede blackberries, black cherry, licorice, herbs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Its fine-grained tannin integrates well with its acid. The finish is long and satisfying. This wine will retain its fruit and backbone with age.
Chateau Franc Mayne’s vineyard is situated on the plateau, hillside, and bottom of the hill of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. Each zone has a different distribution of limestone, marl, clay, and sand.
Since purchasing the vineyard in 2018, the Savare family has introduced organic growing practices and added Cabernet Franc vines, which they began blending in 2022.
I served this wine with chicken confit and a dessert of strawberries and whipped cream. It segued seamlessly from entrée to dessert.
December 26, 2023
2021 Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux
Chateau Soutard
A long and satisfying finish
Chateau Soutard is a blend of 76% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% whole-bunch fermented Malbec.
This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru vintage is deep purple with aromas of ripe black cherry, licorice, and coffee. On the palate there are additional layers of black currant, blackberry, ripe plum, and subtle spices. It is full-bodied with fine-grained tannin and medium acid.
This wine should age well and develop wonderful tertiary flavors. I recommend holding this for at least three years (until 2026).
April 1, 2023
2020 Grands Crus Bordeaux
Selections from the Union des Grands Crus Event
The 2020 vintage Bordeaux wines are outstanding
I tasted a wide sample of Bordeaux wines at this year’s Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux Trade Wine Tasting in Los Angeles. According to The Wine Cellar Insider, 2020 was a great year for Margaux — equal to, if not better, than 2015. Here are some that got my attention.
The Grand Cru Classé Chateau Lascombes has excellent concentration and fine balance. It features hints of black and red fruits, dried flowers, and licorice. I tasted their 2019 last year, and could still recall its characteristics a full year later.
Another Grand Cru Classé wine, a biodynamic from Haut-Médoc, was Chateau La Lagune. Its long finish with flavors of cherry and blackberry, made a strong impression on me.
Chateau Clinet comes from Pomerol. It is smooth and supple, with layers of red and black fruit, licorice, mocha and tobacco, plus a hint of sensuous perfume. Dark and velvety, it delivers a long finish.
The Barsac and Sauterne dessert wines were nice treat. My favorite Barsac was Chateau Coutet, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. It’s lively, citrusy and aromatic with flavors of marmalade, honey, lime, grapefruit, and honeysuckle. I walked away smiling.
