Bordeaux’s biggest BC sales day of the year is fast approaching. Saturday, September 28th, marks BC Liquor Stores 2016 Bordeaux release. For serious wine collectors it’s beyond keenly anticipated. This vintage is one of the best in many years. And even better, there is, truly, something for everyone.
Bordeaux boxes awaiting September 28th
For the last few years I’ve attended a Bordeaux release preview at BC Liquor Stores. The tasting is led by Barbara Philip, Master of Wine and BC Liquor Stores Bordeaux buyer. Philip describes 2016 as “the greatest vintage—at least since I’ve been buying en primeur.” That’s when prospective buyers from around the world head to Bordeaux for a first glimpse of what the previous year’s vintage might eventually have to offer.
“Even at en primeur, and now, still, the wines are showing an approachability and delicacy—which are not so easy to achieve,” says Philip.
She refers to the ‘en-primeur’ tasting she attended in March of 2017.
“I remember walking in to that tasting—and ‘Wow’!”, says Philip.
“From that moment, the silkiness, the finesse and the sweetness, along with the brightness and complexity—and all the factors that contribute to ageability were there.”
She continues: “My personal assessment is that It’s not a right bank or a left bank vintage. … I think that both the Cabernet based wines and the Merlot based wines are very good.”
How come? “
“…It was a vintage that started early and finished late,” says Philip. “And I think that that’s one of the reasons we have this particular balance of alcohol, tannins and flavour complexity.”
She actually has a lot more to say on the vintage, and on the 97 Bordeaux wines she bought. I’m truly impressed by the scope of wines offered this year, especially with more in reach of the average consumer.
You can read about the vintage, the wines and where to buy them here. If you are serious about buying you can do all your research ahead of time—and should.
At this year’s preview, Philip presented what has to be the most impressive line up in several years. No surprise, she’s increased her BCLS buy significantly for 2016, to some 12,000 cases. And she’s confident it will sell as well as ever, if not better. This year the release is offered at 32 BCLS locations.
I would agree. There’s lots to like. In fact you probably can’t go wrong with Bordeaux 2016. As usual, Philip has brought in a truly broad spectrum of wines.And there’s no denying this vintage is exceptional.
Here’s a quick run down of tastes that popped out for me. It really all depends on what you want—and, yes, for sure, on the size of your wallet.
Chateau Poujeaux, Moulis-en-Medoc 2016
I’m always intrigued by the ‘entry level’ wines that pop out. In particular as to how they compare with the ‘cachet’ wines. This is one of those wines. A blend of Cab. Franc, Cab. Sauv., Merlot and Petit Verdot. Forward red and black fruit with some perfume notes. A plush and rounded palate with good structure, silky tannins and a touch of minerality through the finish. $70 91
Chateau Lanessan, Haut Medoc 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. Floral and graphite notes, followed by a mouth filling palate with solid tannins. Not complex but still nicely integrated. Pretty good value and a good starting point for someone who wants to explore Bordeaux. Worth putting away for a while. Although I would be also inclined to spend a little more for the Dauphine. $40 89
Chateau de la Dauphine, Fronsac 2016
From a storied chateau that dates from Louis XV. One of the largest estates in Fronsac, now farmed primarily with organic and biodynamic methods. Michel Rolland consults. Mainly Merlot (85 percent) with Cab. Franc Intense deep purple in the glass, Perfume and floral aromas, an easy, approachable and plush entry with intense red berry notes wrapped in a pleasing fruit and tannin balance and spice hints through the finish. Excellent value. $50 91
Chateau Puy-Blanquet, St-Émilion 2016
Aromas of red and black fruit precede a medium bodied, quite supple palate of damson and cherry notes. Very approachable now but also well worth putting away for a while. Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc. $45 90
Chateau Beychevelle, St-Julien 2016
Deep garnet in the glass it sports black fruit and dusty notes on top. The entry starts out with some hefty tannins before dark plum, cassis mulberry notes. A lovely, plush palate, with herb, clove and peppery hints towards the close. 47% Merlot and Cab. Sauv, with Petit Verdot (5%) and Malbec (1%). You could easily drink it now or put it away for quite a few years. $180 92. Even at a two bottle BCLS limit it will be gone fast.
Chateau Petit-Village, Pomerol 2016
A blend of Merlot (77%) with Cab. Franc 14% and Cab. Sauv. (9%). Forward lifted notes of red and black fruit with earthy undertones. An approachable, lush, juicy and elegant palate, medium to full bodied with perfectly balanced fruit and acidity, supported by seamless, well integrated tannins, definite mineral undertones through the close and dry tannins on the finish. Worth putting away for a few years, for sure. $170 93
Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognon 2016
Mainly Cab. Sauv (53%) with Merlot (40%) and Cab. Franc (7%). Intense, inky garnet in the glass, forward floral and bue-black fruit notes with some definite earthy hints. Impeccable structure and a generous mouthfeel, defined by supple tannins for a truly elegant and sleek character. Cassis and mulberry with a touch of mineral through the finish. Very cellar-worthy. Two bottle limit. $250 95
Clos Fourtet, St-Émilion Grand Cru 2016
A blend of mainly Merlot (90%) with Cab. Sauv. (8%) and Cab. Franc (2%). Up front black and blue fruit with floral hints before an elegant and seductive palate defined by juicy acidity, with cassis, blueberry and licorice, moving through layers of supple, silky and well integrated tannins, all coming together in a lingering, sleek close. Certainly one of my top picks in this lineup. Two bottle limit. $250 95
Leave A Comment