Best of Bordeaux: Six affordable fine wines from France’s pre-eminent wine region
True sybarites aren’t interested in status symbols or the speculative power of wine. They buy not for profit but for pleasure – something these bottles offer in abundance
Château Angludet 2009, £45
This much-admired estate is of ancient origin – there were vineyards planted here in the 17th century. In 1961 the Sichel family bought the property, which is located at the heart of the Margaux appellation. Their investment has turned Angludet into one of the area’s most brilliant performers, with offerings at relatively affordable prices.
Château Lassègue 2009, £38.75
Château Lassègue is one of Saint-Émilion’s best-value wines. Purchased in 2003 by Jackson Family Wines – a wealthy Californian wine dynasty – Lassègue is run in partnership with senior winemaker Pierre Seillan. Their investment has paid massive dividends: the style is lush yet refined, with wallet-friendly prices.
Château Pey La Tour 2014, £21
This estate’s contemporary reputation for value is well deserved: wine merchant Vignobles Dourthe bought it in 1990 and also acquired the services of maestro consultant Michel Rolland, who helped to turn Pey La Tour around. Today it produces some of Bordeaux’s best ‘generic’ clarets – muscular, virile and beautifully balanced.
Château La Fleur de Boüard 2014, £24.95
Owner Hubert de Boüard believes that La Fleur de Boüard is in the top half of all wine produced in the Pomérols region. We’d tend to agree: de Boüard has made substantive improvements to the viticulture and winemaking since he acquired the property in 1998. The wine lacks the renown – and cost – of iconic names such as Le Pin and Pétrus, but it is arguably every bit their equal.
Château Moulin St Georges 2012, £31
Another standout bargain from the revered Saint-Émilion appellation, Moulin St Georges is criminally underrated by British bordeaux lovers. Owned by Alain Vaultier (of mega-expensive Château Ausone), the château is situated next door to Ausone’s legendary terroir and offers a stunning red for the money.
Château Rahoul 2016, £17.50
White bordeaux deserves its moment in the spotlight. Owned by Vignobles Dourthe, Château Rahoul is a heady blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc – a subtler alternative to the pungent aromas of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Classy and refined, everything about this wine is more than you’d expect – except the price.
