The Bordeaux 2018 wines are proving to be every bit as great as we suspected they would be back in April 2019 when James tasted them from barrel. Recently he tasted an interesting selection from the vintage over Zoom with negociant François Thienpont and his son Edward, whose family owns part of the famous Pomerol estate of Vieux Chateau Certan as well as a range of properties in lesser-known appellations such as the Franc Cotes de Bordeaux.
François described the 2018 vintage as “very powerful and integrated,” while James said wines from the 2018 vintage "have such a full mid-palate that give this beautiful sort of unctuous gourmand character." Some highlights of the tasting were St. Emilion’s Château Pavie-Macquin and L’If St.-Emilion 2018. Of the latter, James said it is clearly the best wine ever from here, which has only been producing wines since its first official vintage in 2011. But the wines from Franc Cotes de Bordeaux were excellent and some cost less than $18 per bottle. The conversation on malbec in Bordeaux was also thought-provoking.
Watch the video above for the full conversation and tasting, which included various wines that are listed below. Click the link to see the tasting notes and scores (subscribers only).
Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Cuvée George 2018
Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc 2018
L’Etoile Lalande-de-Pomerol 2018
La Violette du Manoir Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2018
Château Pavie-Macquin St.-Emilion 2018
L’If St.-Emilion 2018
