Wines of Bordeaux, presented by JEN CONNAN of Hertfordshire wine school
An excellent presentation by Jen – she’s very definitely worth having as a speaker/presenter.
Étoile de Timberlay Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc Brut NV (available from M&S)
A sparkling wine made using the traditional method, with flavours of red apples and brioche, and floral notes. It's a blend of 62% Merlot, 33% Semillon with a dash of Cabernet Franc.12%, £9.50
Château Saint-Jean-des-Graves 2019 (available from Waitrose)
A fresh and aromatic Bordeaux white wine with notes of citrus, greengage, peach and white blossom. It's a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon and Sémillon. It undergos lees stirring to add body and complexity 12.5%, £9.99
Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve, Bordeaux Rosé 2020 (available from The Wine Society)
Château Bel-Air is located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region where the Despagne family have cultivated their vineyards organically since 2008. Produced mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It has notes of strawberries, raspberries & roses. 12.5%, £9.95
Château Méaume Bordeaux Supérieur 2018 (available from Majestic)
Château Méaume is located approximately 15kms north of Pommerol. A blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2 years in oak. It has notes of plums, blueberries, blackcurrants, black cherries, tobacco, cedar and leather.14.5%, £9.99
Château Arnauton Fronsac 2014 (available from Majestic)
Fronsac is situated in Bordeaux’s Right Bank. It’s predominantly made from Merlot, with Cabernet France and Malbec. It has notes of plums, blackberries, blackcurrants, vanilla and cedar. 14%, £14.99
Château Lagrave Le Second Saint-Émilion 2018 (available from Waitrose)
The estate's second label. A blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 50% matured in oak. 50% matured in stainless steel. It has notes of plums, kirsch, cigar box and chocolate.13%, £14.99
The Society’s Exhibition Haut-Medoc 2014 (available from The Wine Society)
Made for the Society by Chateau Beaumont. Located on the Left Bank between Margaux and Saint-Julian. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with just under 10% Petit Verdot. It has notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, vanilla, cedar and leather.13.5%, £14.95
Definition Sauternes 2013 (75cl) (available from Majestic)
Made for Majestic by the 1855 classified 2nd growth, Château Filhot. A blend of 60% Semillon 36% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle. It sspends 2 years in 30% new oak before bottling. It has pronounced notes of citrus and stone fruits and honey.13%, £19.99
The wines were all classic Bordeaux examples, with few surprises. The best was probably the Château Méaume at a very good price. But to be honest, it does feel like Bordeaux wines have stood still, while the rest of the world has moved on.
