2020 was the most unusual year; but it wasn’t with out it’s brighter sides which was the ability to try a wine every now and then…or maybe more than that :-). With the pandemic in place and the the trade tariffs that made finding some of your favorite French wines a little challenging. I had the opportunity to try several and these were my favorites for 2020. A lot of what makes my list has a lot to do with accessibility and the overall value of the wines. I recommend you seek these out. Cheers!
2017 Chateau Cambon la Pelouse (750ml) Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Big black fruits and a ton of ripe tannins make this wine dramatic with darker edge in its blackcurrant, you get saw dust, underbrush, tobacco and earthy aromatics; it’s medium-bodied, beautifully concentrated, particularly ripe and juicy wine that will age.
2016 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml) Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Animated, with lovely aromatic upper notes, crammed with dark fruits, red cherry fruit, flowers and mint and general richness, Its dry, firm, with licorice, some bramble and tobacco notes.
2015 Esprit de Pavie (750ml) Merlot from Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France
With blackberry and black-truffle nose; the Esprit de Pavie is a great Bordeaux sleeper bargains of the 2015 vintage. (a blend of vines in Côtes do Castillon and young vines from Pavie and Monbousquet from the renowned St. Emilion limestone plateau. Full-bodied, round and juicy. This spicy red has good fruit and chewy tannins and uplifting finish.
2016 Chateau Charmail (750ml) Cabernet Sauvignon from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Overlooking the Gironde River just north of Saint-Estèphe Château Charmail is one of those secret charms. The blend is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, with a dash of Petit Verdot. It’s a medium to full-bodied, elegant, definitive wine that offers lots of darker fruits (cassis and blackberry), Powerful and ripe spice, leather and minty as well with as a kiss of forrest floor. Balanced firm and chewy.
2016 La Fleur de Bouard (750ml) Merlot from Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
From the de Boüard family of the famed Château Angélus a bouquet of blackberry pie, raspberries, crushed flowers and hints of tobacco, with mocha, spice and mint all run through this silky energetic wine with great tannins and a nice lingering finish.
