James Suckling – Tight and chewy yet polished and beautiful. Medium to full body, a pretty core of fruit within the center palate and a flavorful finish. Better than 2015 and on the same level as the excellent 2014.
93-94 points James Suckling
Haut Medoc, a prestigious sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is nestled on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Its unique terroir, characterized by gravelly soils and a temperate maritime climate, is conducive to the growth of grape varieties that flourish here, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The history of Haut Medoc is deeply intertwined with winemaking, and its legacy can be traced back to centuries of viticulture expertise. Many wine enthusiasts and historians consider it a treasure trove, as it has witnessed countless vintages that have shaped the global wine narrative. As you explore Haut Medoc, you'll find that each vineyard tells a story, each chateau has its character, and every glass holds a narrative of the land, the weather, and the passionate vintners who have dedicated their lives to the art of winemaking.
Haut Medoc is located in the Bordeaux wine region of southwestern France, specifically on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. This exalted wine-producing sub-region stretches northwards from the city of Bordeaux, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west. Encompassed by Médoc to its north and the city of Bordeaux to its south, Haut Medoc enjoys a privileged geographical location. The presence of the estuary ensures a maritime climate, creating an ideal environment for viticulture. Its vine-covered landscapes, dotted with historic châteaux, make it not only a haven for wine enthusiasts but also a picturesque destination for travelers.
Wines from Haut Medoc have long been celebrated for their exceptional quality. Synonymous with elegance and depth, these wines often showcase a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas. Haut Medoc is home to several classified estates, producing wines that often command higher prices due to their reputation and demand. However, the region also offers a range of wines at more accessible price points, ensuring that wine enthusiasts with varying budgets can experience the magic of Haut Medoc wines. Therefore, while some wines from the region might be considered an investment, there are plenty of high-quality, affordable options available.
Haut Medoc stands out in the wine world due to its unique terroir and rich history. Its gravelly soils, warmed by the sun and cooled by the nearby estuary, provide excellent drainage and heat retention, essential for cultivating the region's dominant grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. The maritime climate provides consistent warmth without extreme temperature variations, ensuring a steady maturation process for the grapes. Beyond its physical attributes, Haut Medoc's legacy is cemented by the generations of winemakers who've honed their craft, ensuring that each vintage tells a story of the land and its people.
Haut Medoc is most renowned for its red wines, particularly those crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape variety thrives in the region's gravelly soils, resulting in wines with deep color, robust tannins, and complex aromas. Often blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and sometimes Cabernet Franc, Haut Medoc wines are recognized for their structure, longevity, and a bouquet of dark fruits, tobacco, and sometimes hints of graphite or cedar.
While the best wines can be subjective and often depend on individual preferences, Haut Medoc boasts several esteemed châteaux known for their remarkable vintages. Estates like Château La Lagune, Château Cantemerle, and Château Beaumont consistently produce wines that are lauded by critics and loved by enthusiasts. Additionally, some of the classified growths from the region, such as Château La Tour Carnet and Château Belgrave, have garnered international acclaim for their finesse and depth. Regardless of rankings, the true essence of Haut Medoc's excellence can be found in every bottle that captures its terroir, tradition, and passion.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.