Bordeaux Perfection Chateaux Premium Selection
Bordeaux Perfection Chateaux Premium Selection - Immerse yourself in the elegance and complexity of Bordeaux with this curated collection of premium Chateaux wines. Each bottle reflects the region's rich winemaking heritage, featuring perfectly balanced blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other classic varietals. From velvety textures to nuanced layers of fruit, spice, and oak, this selection offers an unparalleled journey through Bordeaux's finest terroirs. Ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone seeking a taste of perfection in every sip.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Bordeaux Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Decanter
89-91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
88-90/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing
15.5/20 Vinum Wine Magazine
14.5/20 La Revue du Vin de France
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
James Suckling "Plenty of sliced-apple, peach and lemon character with a medium body, fresh acidity and a clean, vivid finish. Energetic and ready for the beach!"
Decanter "Well placed and perky fruits, not overly high in acidities but instead given focus by slate texture and a point of bitterness on the finish. Bright fruits keep things mouthwatering. 3% Muscadelle completes the plantings (I don't have the specific 2020 blend). This is an enjoyable Bordeaux Blanc with personality; a successful wine in the category."
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate "Comes skipping out of the glass with vibrant notes of lime leaves, grapefruit and crushed rocks, giving way to emerging notions of green apples, dill seed, and fresh hay. The medium-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of herbs-laced citrus flavors, supported by a racy backbone and finishing long and chalky."
Vinum Wine Magazine "Particularly refreshing and drinkable with its notes of acacia and mint, its slim but well-structured build, the noticeable minerality. Enjoy young..."
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
45% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon-Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Muscadelle
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
The Sauvignon Blanc taste is one of the most identifiable in the world of white wines for a few reasons. First, it always has crisp, high acidity. Second, it has a chemical compound called pyrazine which gives grassy, herbal or bell pepper flavors. When grown in cooler climates or picked early, the herbaceous green character is most prominent. In warmer climates or allowed to hang longer on the vine, the pyrazine character diminishes in favor of riper fruit flavors ranging from grapefruit, to passion fruit and guava.
1 x La Lacroix Martillac Blanc 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Second label of the famous Grand Cru Château Latour-Martillac
The winemaker "A wine with very nice length and great finesse. A bright gold colour, with lively and explosive notes of fresh citrus and exotic fruits on the nose. On the palate, the richness of the white grapes and the acid tension supply a superb sophistication. Pure and authentic mineral notes." (translated from French)
Vinous "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015. The warm, dry summer yielded opulent wines built on intense fruit and voluptuous textures. At their best, the 2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality."
This wine comes from the vineyards of the well-known Grand Cru Bordeaux property of Château Latour-Martillac, owned by the Kressman family. The wines of Château Latour-Martillac gained widespread attention in 1934, when the red vintage was selected by the Wine and Spirit Benevolent Society of London for the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King George the VI, King of England in December 1936.
The 6 children of the original owner, Jean Kressmann own the domain and continue with the family tradition of wine-making, assisted by the leading wine consultants in Bordeaux. In the 1980’s, they increased the area planted in Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Semillon, the historical grape variety of the property.
Pessac-Leognan is a prestigious appellation for wines produced in a particular area of the Bordeaux region of south-western France. A relatively new appellation, it was carved out of the Graves sub-region in 1987 – recognized in its own right on the merits of its high-quality red and white wines. This was a significant change, as many of the chateaux in what is now Pessac-Leognan were the best performers in the Graves Classification of 1959.
Pessac-Leognan’s white wines are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc (a required minimum of 25%) and Semillon grapes, and are often matured in oak for greater complexity. These white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the appellation and produce more age-worthy wines than any other part of the world.
Elsewhere, blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are best consumed within two years of harvest; in contrast, the best white wines of Pessac-Leognan can develop in bottle for well over a decade.
1 x Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2018 - Bordeaux, France
92/100 Andreas Larsson
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Falstaff
90/100 Decanter
90/100 VertdeVin
Bronze - Wine Spectator
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
91/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - VertdeVin (2017 vintage)
Bronze - CellarTracker (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Andreas Larsson (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2017 vintage)
Commended - Jean- Marc Quarin (2017 vintage)
Grand Gold - Frankfurt International Trophy
Silver - Lyon International Wine Competition
Bronze - Concours General Agricole Paris
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Commeded - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
Andreas Larsson "Bright dark purple colour. Fragrant dark fruit like cassis, plum, cherry, fine oak and mild spices. Ample palate with good proportions, ripe tannin, fresh acidity and digest dark fruit flavours, crushed berries, tobacco and mild oak notes followed by a long a finish."
James Suckling "A fine, linear red with currants, blackberries and some chocolate and hazelnuts. Medium to full body. Medium round tannins. Pretty finish."
Wine Enthusiast "From one of the largest estates in the Médoc, this wine is packed with black-currant fruits and elegant tannins. Initially it seems light, but a core of structure and classic poise between fruit and tannin make the wine a candidate for aging."
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Fresh dark forest berry fruit, a hint of liquorice, delicate orange zest. Juicy, elegant and balanced, pleasant fruit expression, ripe plums, integrated tannins, juicy finish, good food wine, great price-performance ratio."
Decanter "The really impressive thing about this estate is that it manages to deliver consistent good quality over a sizeable production (up to 800,000 bottles). Located directly opposite Larose Perganson on complex gravel, sandy-gravel and clay-limestone soils, this gives you Médoc character with cassis and bilberry, and a eucalyptus wash through the finish. Plenty to enjoy and no need to wait too long to do so."
VertdeVin "The nose is fruity and offers a small concentration as well as a fine richness. It reveals notes of pulpy raspberry, crushed strawberry and small notes of crushed cassis associated with touches of violet, small fresh/pulpy red fruits as well as a hint of small blue fruits, liquorice, cardamom and a very discreet hint of vanilla. The palate is fresh, fruity and offers minerality, juiciness, gourmandize as well as a fine acidulous frame, a fine richness and sapidity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of bright cassis, pulpy/juicy cherry and small notes of crushed raspberry associated with touches of violet, lilac, vanilla as well as very discreet hints of liquorice and chocolate. Good length. Tannins are fine and precise."
Wine Spectator "Succulent cherry and black currant preserve flavors have good energy, picking up sweet tobacco, cedar and iron hints along the way."
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Medium-bodied, soft, forward, early drinking charmer with no hard edges, just plenty of ripe, sweet, red fruits from start to finish."
James Suckling "Aromas and flavors of blueberries, violets and lemon rind follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and a fruity and salty, medium finish. Well done for the vintage." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "The massive 550-acre property is situated right next to Pauillac's vineyards. This wine's ripe texture and generous berry fruits are balanced by a fresh edge typical of the vintage. With a base of tannins, the wine will age well." (2017 vintage)
VertdeVin "The nose is aromatic and offers a small concentration and a fine freshness. It reveals notes of fleshy raspberry, vanilla and small notes of toasted almond associated with a touch of cherry as well as fine hints of blackberry and a very discreet hint of cardamom. The mouth is fruity and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness and a fine grain. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy/fresh raspberry, fleshy/fresh cherry as well as fine hints of racy minerality and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Good length." (2017 vintage)
Andreas Larsson "Rather dark colour with a purple hue. Youthful aromas of wood and new oak, fresh cassis and red berries with some dry spices and tobacco. Rather full palate, still in a youthful phase with pronounced tannin, but balanced in an age worthy classic style, generous fruit, balanced oak and rather good length." (2017 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Fruity, forward and fresh, this medium-bodied, red pit fruit-filled wine is ready to go for near term, soft textured, easy-drinking pleasure." (2017 vintage)
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot
Chateau Larose Trintaudon's vineyards were first planted in 1838. The beautiful chateau was built in 1870 by the owner at the time, Comte Ernest de Lahens. During the late 1800’s, the property was even larger than it is today as Ernest de Lahens was able to increase the size of their vineyards to 345 hectares of vines.
The Haut-Médoc is a sub-appellation within the larger Médoc appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. Situated between the Gironde estuary that runs down to the city of Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast, this is the home of some of Bordeaux’s famous chateaux. The six famous communes of the Médoc are contained within its boundaries: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St Julien, Pauillac and St Estèphe. The vineyard land that lies outside of these communes is classified as the Haut-Médoc; the result being that you can often find well-known Cru Bourgeois chateaux alongside the Cru Classé chateaux in the same appellation.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Chateau Moulin Saint Louis "MO" 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Gold Concours des Feminalise
Silver Concours des Feminalise (2020 vintage)
Silver Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2020 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2018 vintage)
Gold Concours des Feminalise (2018 vintage)
Bronze Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2018 vintage)
Silver Concours des Feminalise (2017 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2016 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2015 vintage)
Gold Concours des Feminalise (2015 vintage)
Tasting Notes: Beautiful dark garnet red color. On the nose, aromas of candied fruit, strawberries and cherries are revealed.
Château Moulin Saint Louis is located in the commune of Braud, near Blaye, famous for its citadel. The estate covers 50 hectares, including 19 hectares of vines. Family property for four generations, Christophe Chapron manages the vineyard since 1992. He developed the structure especially with the cellars expansion in 2011 and with the Organic farming conversion.
Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is the appellation title for Côtes de Bordeaux wines made specifically in the Blaye district, just across the Gironde from the Médoc. The wines are both red and white (any rosé produced here is sold under the generic Bordeaux appellation). Wines once made under the Premières Côtes de Blaye appellation are now sold under this newer title.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
The Bordeaux Blend reds are made predominantly from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with approximately 5200 hectares (12,850 acres) of vineyards within the appellation. For the CHÂTEAU MOULIN SAINT LOUIS, it is crafted from a beautiful selection of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
1 x Château Saint Julian Bordeaux Superior (Organic) 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Organic
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2018 vintage)
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2013 vintage)
2 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2012 vintage)
Silver - 2012 Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine (2010 vintage)
Bronze - 2009 Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine (2007 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "A very expressive profile for this wine aged in concrete vats: blackcurrant liqueur, jammy blackberry and musk. Aromas that we find melted in a mouth with an imposing tannic structure but perfectly coated by the flesh of the Merlot." (2018 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "A beautiful outfit for the vintage...a very open wine with notes of fruit and spices, slightly evolved, pleasant with its suppleness." (2013 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "This 2012 enchanted the jurors: deep color, complex nose of black fruits, highlighted by measured woodiness; round attack, on the fruit, structured and long palate, with velvety tannins. Power and finesse." (2012 vintage)
Tasting Notes: Dark aromas of game, herbs and an earthy aroma that also features some dark fruit and a little mint and cola. It tastes delicious with the dark fruit taking centre stage in the mouth but still balanced by some nice earthy streaks. Hints of dried herbs from the nose carry over and you’ll also find some oaky liquorice notes. All of this is wrapped up in a very smooth, almost creamy texture. It ends dry with a mineral tinged finish featuring lingering cola and liquorice notes under more of that delicious dark fruit.
73% Merlot & 27% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13%
The Château Saint Julian is locatedi n the Entre deux Mers near the Abbaye Bénédictine de la Sauve Majeure. The 20 hectares of vineyard extend over the most beautiful terroir of the commune of Targon. The property features recent facilities which permit to produce a qualitative wine respecting the environment.
Chateau Saint Julian is the second wine made by the winemakers who from the remarkable Chateau La Grangere in St. Emilion. This Ecocert certified organic wine is made from mostly Merlot grown on limestone slopes in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux with an average age of 30 years. All of the grapes are hand-harvested and aged in barrique, with about 30% new barrels. The owner of this estate also owns the prestigious Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – the Château La Grangère – and a Graves de Vayres – the Château Tillede.
Entre-Deux-Mers is a large wine sub-region of Bordeaux in southwestern France. Its name translates literally as "between two seas", although the seas in question are in fact rivers – the Garonne and Dordogne, which respectively form the area's southern and northern boundaries. Entre-Deux-Mers is home to various appellations, which produce wines in styles ranging from the sweet botrytized whites of Cadillac, Loupiac and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont – all close to the northeast bank of the Garonne – to the dry table wines of Sainte-Foy and Graves de Vayres, closer to the Dordogne. The extended region along the Garonne, from the cluster of sweet white appellations as far as the area to the east of Bordeaux city, is the red wine appellation Côtes de Bordeaux – until 2009 called Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, a title now reserved for sweet whites.
Bordeaux Supérieur is an appellation tier applied to wines made within the generic Bordeaux AOP zone. They are produced from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Palombre White 2020 - Bordeaux, France
92/100 James Suckling
93/100 James Sucking (2019 vintage)
92/100 Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage)
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
James Suckling, ''..I like the density and concentration, with a delicious creaminess undercut by herb and spice...Almonds, fennel, yoghurt, grapefruit and pear skins on the nose, with some cloves and white pepper.''
Jancis Robinson "Cuvée Palombe, a startlingly rich white based on 45- to 70-year-old vines named after a pigeon. The blend is a third each of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and the more perfumed Sauvignon Gris but seems to me to be dominated by the lovely beeswax and lanolin flavours of fully ripe Sémillon, a grape variety more often encountered in sweet white bordeaux. I originally tasted the wine at room temperature when it seemed almost fat, until a nice cooling breeze of Sauvignon Blanc blew across my palate on the finish. The wine benefited from being restored to the cellar before I tasted it a second time, when it was, again, such a welcome and characterful contrast to the technically perfect Sauvignon-dominated style that has become typical of Bordeaux Blanc." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling, "..Focused and elegant...A medium-to full-bodied white with complex aromas of dried lime, apricot, green mango, flint and toast. It’s textured and creamy with crisp acidity and flinty, subtly smoky layers." (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Flowers, lemon rind, spearmint and honeysuckle notes are all over the place. Fresh, forward, fruity and with a creamy, yellow, citrus rind finish, with just a drizzle of honey, you can enjoy this on release." (2019 vintage)
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Sauvignon Gris is a pink-berried mutation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It most likely originated around Bordeaux, but has found itself quite at home in Chile. Sauvignon Gris is thinly scattered across other parts of the wine world, including Uruguay, New Zealand, the United States and Switzerland.
Its popularity among growers was historically severely limited by its low yields; in France in 2009 there were (officially) only 463 hectares (1144 acres) of vines. However plantings may be on the increase, in the Loire, in Bordeaux to add body to Sauvignon Blanc, and elsewhere around the world. While the clone is not legally permitted in some Loire appellations – such as Sancerre – it is generally agreed that Sauvignon Gris vines are present in a good number of vineyards in such zones.
Sauvignon Gris is less aromatic than its Sauvignon Blanc sibling, but certainly capable of producing interesting wines. Wines produced from Sauvignon Gris tend to be richer and more voluptuous in texture than Sauvignon Blanc, with ripe fruit flavors of mango and melon as well as citrus notes. The wines are usually dry and tend to have some of the herbaceous notes so typical of the Sauvignon family. The type of color mutation seen in Sauvignon Gris is a naturally occurring phenomenon and reasonably common. For example, Roter Riesling is a pink-skinned mutation of Riesling, Chardonnay Rosé is a mutation of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris is a light-berried variant of Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Gris is also often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, including examples where the former is a minor (usually uncredited) component of New World varietal Sauvignon Blanc wines.
The Sauvignon Blanc taste is one of the most identifiable in the world of white wines for a few reasons. First, it always has crisp, high acidity. Second, it has a chemical compound called pyrazine which gives grassy, herbal or bell pepper flavors. When grown in cooler climates or picked early, the herbaceous green character is most prominent. In warmer climates or allowed to hang longer on the vine, the pyrazine character diminishes in favor of riper fruit flavors ranging from grapefruit, to passion fruit and guava.
Sémillon is one of the wine world's unsung heroes. The gold-skinned grape produces France's most famous and revered sweet wines, notably Sauternes, and some of the greatest dry white wines of Australia - particulary those in the Hunter Valley.
Bordeaux Perfection Chateaux Premium Selection - Immerse yourself in the elegance and complexity of Bordeaux with this curated collection of premium Chateaux wines. Each bottle reflects the region's rich winemaking heritage, featuring perfectly balanced blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other classic varietals. From velvety textures to nuanced layers of fruit, spice, and oak, this selection offers an unparalleled journey through Bordeaux's finest terroirs. Ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone seeking a taste of perfection in every sip.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Bordeaux Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Decanter
89-91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
88-90/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing
15.5/20 Vinum Wine Magazine
14.5/20 La Revue du Vin de France
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
James Suckling "Plenty of sliced-apple, peach and lemon character with a medium body, fresh acidity and a clean, vivid finish. Energetic and ready for the beach!"
Decanter "Well placed and perky fruits, not overly high in acidities but instead given focus by slate texture and a point of bitterness on the finish. Bright fruits keep things mouthwatering. 3% Muscadelle completes the plantings (I don't have the specific 2020 blend). This is an enjoyable Bordeaux Blanc with personality; a successful wine in the category."
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate "Comes skipping out of the glass with vibrant notes of lime leaves, grapefruit and crushed rocks, giving way to emerging notions of green apples, dill seed, and fresh hay. The medium-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of herbs-laced citrus flavors, supported by a racy backbone and finishing long and chalky."
Vinum Wine Magazine "Particularly refreshing and drinkable with its notes of acacia and mint, its slim but well-structured build, the noticeable minerality. Enjoy young..."
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
45% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon-Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Muscadelle
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
The Sauvignon Blanc taste is one of the most identifiable in the world of white wines for a few reasons. First, it always has crisp, high acidity. Second, it has a chemical compound called pyrazine which gives grassy, herbal or bell pepper flavors. When grown in cooler climates or picked early, the herbaceous green character is most prominent. In warmer climates or allowed to hang longer on the vine, the pyrazine character diminishes in favor of riper fruit flavors ranging from grapefruit, to passion fruit and guava.
1 x La Lacroix Martillac Blanc 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Second label of the famous Grand Cru Château Latour-Martillac
The winemaker "A wine with very nice length and great finesse. A bright gold colour, with lively and explosive notes of fresh citrus and exotic fruits on the nose. On the palate, the richness of the white grapes and the acid tension supply a superb sophistication. Pure and authentic mineral notes." (translated from French)
Vinous "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015. The warm, dry summer yielded opulent wines built on intense fruit and voluptuous textures. At their best, the 2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality."
This wine comes from the vineyards of the well-known Grand Cru Bordeaux property of Château Latour-Martillac, owned by the Kressman family. The wines of Château Latour-Martillac gained widespread attention in 1934, when the red vintage was selected by the Wine and Spirit Benevolent Society of London for the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King George the VI, King of England in December 1936.
The 6 children of the original owner, Jean Kressmann own the domain and continue with the family tradition of wine-making, assisted by the leading wine consultants in Bordeaux. In the 1980’s, they increased the area planted in Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Semillon, the historical grape variety of the property.
Pessac-Leognan is a prestigious appellation for wines produced in a particular area of the Bordeaux region of south-western France. A relatively new appellation, it was carved out of the Graves sub-region in 1987 – recognized in its own right on the merits of its high-quality red and white wines. This was a significant change, as many of the chateaux in what is now Pessac-Leognan were the best performers in the Graves Classification of 1959.
Pessac-Leognan’s white wines are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc (a required minimum of 25%) and Semillon grapes, and are often matured in oak for greater complexity. These white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the appellation and produce more age-worthy wines than any other part of the world.
Elsewhere, blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are best consumed within two years of harvest; in contrast, the best white wines of Pessac-Leognan can develop in bottle for well over a decade.
1 x Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2018 - Bordeaux, France
92/100 Andreas Larsson
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Falstaff
90/100 Decanter
90/100 VertdeVin
Bronze - Wine Spectator
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
91/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - VertdeVin (2017 vintage)
Bronze - CellarTracker (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Andreas Larsson (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2017 vintage)
Commended - Jean- Marc Quarin (2017 vintage)
Grand Gold - Frankfurt International Trophy
Silver - Lyon International Wine Competition
Bronze - Concours General Agricole Paris
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Commeded - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
Andreas Larsson "Bright dark purple colour. Fragrant dark fruit like cassis, plum, cherry, fine oak and mild spices. Ample palate with good proportions, ripe tannin, fresh acidity and digest dark fruit flavours, crushed berries, tobacco and mild oak notes followed by a long a finish."
James Suckling "A fine, linear red with currants, blackberries and some chocolate and hazelnuts. Medium to full body. Medium round tannins. Pretty finish."
Wine Enthusiast "From one of the largest estates in the Médoc, this wine is packed with black-currant fruits and elegant tannins. Initially it seems light, but a core of structure and classic poise between fruit and tannin make the wine a candidate for aging."
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Fresh dark forest berry fruit, a hint of liquorice, delicate orange zest. Juicy, elegant and balanced, pleasant fruit expression, ripe plums, integrated tannins, juicy finish, good food wine, great price-performance ratio."
Decanter "The really impressive thing about this estate is that it manages to deliver consistent good quality over a sizeable production (up to 800,000 bottles). Located directly opposite Larose Perganson on complex gravel, sandy-gravel and clay-limestone soils, this gives you Médoc character with cassis and bilberry, and a eucalyptus wash through the finish. Plenty to enjoy and no need to wait too long to do so."
VertdeVin "The nose is fruity and offers a small concentration as well as a fine richness. It reveals notes of pulpy raspberry, crushed strawberry and small notes of crushed cassis associated with touches of violet, small fresh/pulpy red fruits as well as a hint of small blue fruits, liquorice, cardamom and a very discreet hint of vanilla. The palate is fresh, fruity and offers minerality, juiciness, gourmandize as well as a fine acidulous frame, a fine richness and sapidity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of bright cassis, pulpy/juicy cherry and small notes of crushed raspberry associated with touches of violet, lilac, vanilla as well as very discreet hints of liquorice and chocolate. Good length. Tannins are fine and precise."
Wine Spectator "Succulent cherry and black currant preserve flavors have good energy, picking up sweet tobacco, cedar and iron hints along the way."
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Medium-bodied, soft, forward, early drinking charmer with no hard edges, just plenty of ripe, sweet, red fruits from start to finish."
James Suckling "Aromas and flavors of blueberries, violets and lemon rind follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and a fruity and salty, medium finish. Well done for the vintage." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "The massive 550-acre property is situated right next to Pauillac's vineyards. This wine's ripe texture and generous berry fruits are balanced by a fresh edge typical of the vintage. With a base of tannins, the wine will age well." (2017 vintage)
VertdeVin "The nose is aromatic and offers a small concentration and a fine freshness. It reveals notes of fleshy raspberry, vanilla and small notes of toasted almond associated with a touch of cherry as well as fine hints of blackberry and a very discreet hint of cardamom. The mouth is fruity and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness and a fine grain. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy/fresh raspberry, fleshy/fresh cherry as well as fine hints of racy minerality and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Good length." (2017 vintage)
Andreas Larsson "Rather dark colour with a purple hue. Youthful aromas of wood and new oak, fresh cassis and red berries with some dry spices and tobacco. Rather full palate, still in a youthful phase with pronounced tannin, but balanced in an age worthy classic style, generous fruit, balanced oak and rather good length." (2017 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Fruity, forward and fresh, this medium-bodied, red pit fruit-filled wine is ready to go for near term, soft textured, easy-drinking pleasure." (2017 vintage)
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot
Chateau Larose Trintaudon's vineyards were first planted in 1838. The beautiful chateau was built in 1870 by the owner at the time, Comte Ernest de Lahens. During the late 1800’s, the property was even larger than it is today as Ernest de Lahens was able to increase the size of their vineyards to 345 hectares of vines.
The Haut-Médoc is a sub-appellation within the larger Médoc appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. Situated between the Gironde estuary that runs down to the city of Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast, this is the home of some of Bordeaux’s famous chateaux. The six famous communes of the Médoc are contained within its boundaries: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St Julien, Pauillac and St Estèphe. The vineyard land that lies outside of these communes is classified as the Haut-Médoc; the result being that you can often find well-known Cru Bourgeois chateaux alongside the Cru Classé chateaux in the same appellation.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Chateau Moulin Saint Louis "MO" 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Gold Concours des Feminalise
Silver Concours des Feminalise (2020 vintage)
Silver Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2020 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2018 vintage)
Gold Concours des Feminalise (2018 vintage)
Bronze Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2018 vintage)
Silver Concours des Feminalise (2017 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2016 vintage)
Gold Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2015 vintage)
Gold Concours des Feminalise (2015 vintage)
Tasting Notes: Beautiful dark garnet red color. On the nose, aromas of candied fruit, strawberries and cherries are revealed.
Château Moulin Saint Louis is located in the commune of Braud, near Blaye, famous for its citadel. The estate covers 50 hectares, including 19 hectares of vines. Family property for four generations, Christophe Chapron manages the vineyard since 1992. He developed the structure especially with the cellars expansion in 2011 and with the Organic farming conversion.
Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is the appellation title for Côtes de Bordeaux wines made specifically in the Blaye district, just across the Gironde from the Médoc. The wines are both red and white (any rosé produced here is sold under the generic Bordeaux appellation). Wines once made under the Premières Côtes de Blaye appellation are now sold under this newer title.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
The Bordeaux Blend reds are made predominantly from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with approximately 5200 hectares (12,850 acres) of vineyards within the appellation. For the CHÂTEAU MOULIN SAINT LOUIS, it is crafted from a beautiful selection of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
1 x Château Saint Julian Bordeaux Superior (Organic) 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France
Organic
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2018 vintage)
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2013 vintage)
2 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2012 vintage)
Silver - 2012 Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine (2010 vintage)
Bronze - 2009 Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine (2007 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "A very expressive profile for this wine aged in concrete vats: blackcurrant liqueur, jammy blackberry and musk. Aromas that we find melted in a mouth with an imposing tannic structure but perfectly coated by the flesh of the Merlot." (2018 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "A beautiful outfit for the vintage...a very open wine with notes of fruit and spices, slightly evolved, pleasant with its suppleness." (2013 vintage)
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "This 2012 enchanted the jurors: deep color, complex nose of black fruits, highlighted by measured woodiness; round attack, on the fruit, structured and long palate, with velvety tannins. Power and finesse." (2012 vintage)
Tasting Notes: Dark aromas of game, herbs and an earthy aroma that also features some dark fruit and a little mint and cola. It tastes delicious with the dark fruit taking centre stage in the mouth but still balanced by some nice earthy streaks. Hints of dried herbs from the nose carry over and you’ll also find some oaky liquorice notes. All of this is wrapped up in a very smooth, almost creamy texture. It ends dry with a mineral tinged finish featuring lingering cola and liquorice notes under more of that delicious dark fruit.
73% Merlot & 27% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13%
The Château Saint Julian is locatedi n the Entre deux Mers near the Abbaye Bénédictine de la Sauve Majeure. The 20 hectares of vineyard extend over the most beautiful terroir of the commune of Targon. The property features recent facilities which permit to produce a qualitative wine respecting the environment.
Chateau Saint Julian is the second wine made by the winemakers who from the remarkable Chateau La Grangere in St. Emilion. This Ecocert certified organic wine is made from mostly Merlot grown on limestone slopes in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux with an average age of 30 years. All of the grapes are hand-harvested and aged in barrique, with about 30% new barrels. The owner of this estate also owns the prestigious Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – the Château La Grangère – and a Graves de Vayres – the Château Tillede.
Entre-Deux-Mers is a large wine sub-region of Bordeaux in southwestern France. Its name translates literally as "between two seas", although the seas in question are in fact rivers – the Garonne and Dordogne, which respectively form the area's southern and northern boundaries. Entre-Deux-Mers is home to various appellations, which produce wines in styles ranging from the sweet botrytized whites of Cadillac, Loupiac and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont – all close to the northeast bank of the Garonne – to the dry table wines of Sainte-Foy and Graves de Vayres, closer to the Dordogne. The extended region along the Garonne, from the cluster of sweet white appellations as far as the area to the east of Bordeaux city, is the red wine appellation Côtes de Bordeaux – until 2009 called Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, a title now reserved for sweet whites.
Bordeaux Supérieur is an appellation tier applied to wines made within the generic Bordeaux AOP zone. They are produced from the classic Bordeaux grape varieties.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Palombre White 2020 - Bordeaux, France
92/100 James Suckling
93/100 James Sucking (2019 vintage)
92/100 Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage)
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
James Suckling, ''..I like the density and concentration, with a delicious creaminess undercut by herb and spice...Almonds, fennel, yoghurt, grapefruit and pear skins on the nose, with some cloves and white pepper.''
Jancis Robinson "Cuvée Palombe, a startlingly rich white based on 45- to 70-year-old vines named after a pigeon. The blend is a third each of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and the more perfumed Sauvignon Gris but seems to me to be dominated by the lovely beeswax and lanolin flavours of fully ripe Sémillon, a grape variety more often encountered in sweet white bordeaux. I originally tasted the wine at room temperature when it seemed almost fat, until a nice cooling breeze of Sauvignon Blanc blew across my palate on the finish. The wine benefited from being restored to the cellar before I tasted it a second time, when it was, again, such a welcome and characterful contrast to the technically perfect Sauvignon-dominated style that has become typical of Bordeaux Blanc." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling, "..Focused and elegant...A medium-to full-bodied white with complex aromas of dried lime, apricot, green mango, flint and toast. It’s textured and creamy with crisp acidity and flinty, subtly smoky layers." (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Flowers, lemon rind, spearmint and honeysuckle notes are all over the place. Fresh, forward, fruity and with a creamy, yellow, citrus rind finish, with just a drizzle of honey, you can enjoy this on release." (2019 vintage)
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Sauvignon Gris is a pink-berried mutation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It most likely originated around Bordeaux, but has found itself quite at home in Chile. Sauvignon Gris is thinly scattered across other parts of the wine world, including Uruguay, New Zealand, the United States and Switzerland.
Its popularity among growers was historically severely limited by its low yields; in France in 2009 there were (officially) only 463 hectares (1144 acres) of vines. However plantings may be on the increase, in the Loire, in Bordeaux to add body to Sauvignon Blanc, and elsewhere around the world. While the clone is not legally permitted in some Loire appellations – such as Sancerre – it is generally agreed that Sauvignon Gris vines are present in a good number of vineyards in such zones.
Sauvignon Gris is less aromatic than its Sauvignon Blanc sibling, but certainly capable of producing interesting wines. Wines produced from Sauvignon Gris tend to be richer and more voluptuous in texture than Sauvignon Blanc, with ripe fruit flavors of mango and melon as well as citrus notes. The wines are usually dry and tend to have some of the herbaceous notes so typical of the Sauvignon family. The type of color mutation seen in Sauvignon Gris is a naturally occurring phenomenon and reasonably common. For example, Roter Riesling is a pink-skinned mutation of Riesling, Chardonnay Rosé is a mutation of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris is a light-berried variant of Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Gris is also often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, including examples where the former is a minor (usually uncredited) component of New World varietal Sauvignon Blanc wines.
The Sauvignon Blanc taste is one of the most identifiable in the world of white wines for a few reasons. First, it always has crisp, high acidity. Second, it has a chemical compound called pyrazine which gives grassy, herbal or bell pepper flavors. When grown in cooler climates or picked early, the herbaceous green character is most prominent. In warmer climates or allowed to hang longer on the vine, the pyrazine character diminishes in favor of riper fruit flavors ranging from grapefruit, to passion fruit and guava.
Sémillon is one of the wine world's unsung heroes. The gold-skinned grape produces France's most famous and revered sweet wines, notably Sauternes, and some of the greatest dry white wines of Australia - particulary those in the Hunter Valley.