Bordeaux Signature Collection Premium Mixed 6 Pack
Timeless elegance of Bordeaux - Bordeaux Signature Collection Premium Mixed 6 Pack. This exceptional selection brings together the finest reds and whites from the region’s prestigious appellations, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and sophistication. From bold, structured reds with layers of dark fruit and subtle oak to vibrant, aromatic whites with crisp minerality, each bottle embodies the art of Bordeaux winemaking. Ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, or those seeking to elevate their wine experiences, this collection is a true celebration of Bordeaux’s signature style.
2 x Chateau Marquis de Terme, Margaux (Organic) 2016 - Bordeaux , France
94/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
93/100 Neal Martin, Vinous
92/100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92/100 Falstaff Magazin
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Decanter
91/100 Jeb Dunnuck
90/100 Wine Spectator
Silver, International Wine & Spirit Competition
Organic
Jeff Leve “...Soft, polished, round and with fruit to spare, this is showing great today and will only get better with time...floral nuances to the licorice, cherry, black raspberry and smoky overtones. ”
Neal Martin, Vinous “...Elegant and cohesive, this is a fine Margaux .........crushed violet and incense infusing the vivacious black fruit. The lightly spiced, medium-bodied palate features supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a pinch of white pepper on the finish.”
Julia Harding MW “Deep cherry. Fragrant with sweet dark-red and black fruit and a touch of oak sweetness. Firm, chewy, not trying to charm at the moment but it’s all in place, just needs to open and blossom.”
Wine Spectator "Warm in feel, with dark plum, cassis and cherry compote flavors forming the core. Generally open in feel, with light cocoa, tobacco and alder notes adding spine and texture to offset the tasty fruit."
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot
Chateau Marquis de Terme is a Bordeaux wine estate founded in 1661.
Château Marquis de Terme’s Margaux wine is a legendary Bordeaux wine estate, classified as a 'Quatrième Cru (Fourth Growth) Classé' in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines. American President Thomas Jefferson - himself a wine connoisseur, visited Bordeaux in 1787 - declaring Château Marquis de Terme as one of the 16 best Bordeaux wines he tasted.
Chateau Marquis de Terme began organic farming on a small parcel of vines with their first organic wine being the 2013 vintage. They are now farming their vineyards entirely organically achieving organic certification in 2017. Sitting on the doorstep of Margaux, Château Marquis de Terme is emblematic of both how many Bordeaux châteaux were once created and of the famous Margaux terroir. Though a Grand Cru Classé and world-renowned wine, the family owned estate is dedicated to premium wine-making and world class organic practices. The location of the estate at the heart of the Margaux appellation offers a climate that is heavily influenced by both the Gironde estuary and Bay of Biscay, as well as the sheltering effects of the coastal pine forests that protect the vines from the westerly and northwesterly winds.
Margaux is an important appellation in the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux, southwestern France. The appellation is famous for producing supple, perfumed wines, predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon. The Margaux appellation contains 21 cru classé properties from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification (20 of which still exist), more than any other Left Bank appellation.
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.
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 Malescot 'La Dame de Malescot' 2018 ~ Margaux, Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Falstaff
93/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2015 vinatge)
92/100 Falstaff (2014 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2012 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so drinkable and pretty with fine tannins, as well as currant, spice, cedar and light chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied and very fine-tannined with a long and persistent finish. Second wine of Malescot."
Falstaff "Strong ruby garnet, delicate ocher reflections, broader edge brightening. Nuances of pickled cherries, fine forest berry confit, floral touch, very delicate wood spice. Medium complexity, heart cherries, pleasant sweetness, round tannins, freshly structured, mineral and persistent, a versatile food accompaniment."
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby, purple reflexes, faint brightening on the rim. Delicate dried fruit on the nose with a hint of fig, dark berry fruit, fine herbal savouriness and candied orange zest. Juicy and elegant with pleasant substance, integrated, supporting tannins and good length with a mineral finish. " (2017 vintage)
Peter, Moser, Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges. Red berry confit underlaid with delicate herbs and spices, fine tobacco nuances. Medium body, also red berries on the palate, delicate tannins, salty and mineral notes, lemony finish, uncomplicated food accompaniment." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "Ripe blackberry and dark plums with a wealth of violets and raspberries. This has a very plush palate with slick, smooth and ripe tannins that carry raspberry and red-plum flavors. Quite approachable." (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges, attractive dark berry fruit, delicate notes of cassis and liquorice, black cherries, tobacco nuances. Full-bodied, fine blackberry confit, fruity sweetness, well-integrated tannins, sticks, a pleasant, silky food wine with aging potential." (2014 vintage)
Decanter "A great second wine for drinking now, this has lashings of damson fruit to back up the acidity. The tannins are not as intense as they would be in a great vintage but it's good quality, with polish and real appeal. (2012 vintage)
Made by one of France's 'Top 10' winemakers, famous for his 1855 classified "Grand Cru" Bordeaux. This wine is that wine's sought after brother!
Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger has been praised by wine media as "miraculous".
Winestyle "...elegant, full-bodied, harmonious, with hints of ripe cherry, black currant and blackberry, spicy notes, pleasant acidity, soft woody nuances and dry long finish"
Le Point magazine "Candied cherry, beautiful expressive nose, soft palate, velvety tannins, fresh, good finesse, a finish that will give you a surprise, superb fruit … all the power of a Cabernet." (French translation)
The Wine Cellar Insider "Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger is on fire at Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. The wines being made at the property today are stunning!"
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery has a long history in the Bordeaux wine region and is a Grand Cru Classé Chateau in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Malescot St. Exupery can be traced all the way back to 1616 when the Margaux estate was owned by the Escousses family. The Escousses were best known as notaries for the King.
Near the close of the century, in 1697 the Bordeaux wine estate was sold to Simon Malescot. Once Simon became the current owner, he followed the tradition of the time and changed the name of the estate to Malescot. Like the previous owner, Malescot also had a connection to royalty. He was the attorney-general to Louis XIV. Malescot remained with the Malescot family until the French revolution. At that point in time, the large estate was divided between three family members.
Over the next several years, the formerly robust Bordeaux wine estate of Malescot was split and split again. In 1813, Francois Benoit Dunogues purchased the chateau, reselling it in 1825 to Louis Pierlot. After Pierlot’s demise, his heirs had no interested in the wine business. They quickly resold the property to Comte Saint-Exupery.
In the tradition of Bordeaux chateau in the Medoc , following the lead of Malescot, he also added his name to the estate. The property was now known as Chateau Malescot Saint-Exupery.
The Zuger family bought it in 1955. At the time of the sale to the Zuger family Malescot St. Exupery was in such poor shape, only 7 hectares of vines were planted. Extensive replanting of vineyards took place and within a decade, 80% of the vineyard was planted. The Zuger family, headed by Jean Luc Zuger, who took over in 1994, continue to own and manage Chateau Malescot St. Exupery today. Michel Rolland is the consultant.
The vineyards of Chateau Malescot St. Exupery are situated on a terroir of gravel, chalk and clay soils with iron deposits. The vines are planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 10% Cabernet Franc , 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot . On average, the vines are 35 years of age. The vineyards is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Bordeaux is one of the world's most prolific wine regions, it is also one of the the most famous and prestigious.
Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center.
Eighty-nine per cent of wine produced in Bordeaux is red, and made by more than 8,500 producers (which are also known as châteaux).
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Canton Du Loup Rouge 2018 - Bordeaux, France
95/100 The Wine Independent
91/100 James Suckling
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin
Owned by one of the world's famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - presiddent of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d'Yquem.
James Suckling "Firm and structured with a flavorful, dusty finish.....Black fruit, cedar, tobacco and dried leaves on the nose. It's medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins.
Decanter "Perfumed and heavily scented on the nose, vibrant and aromatic - blackcurrants and violets. Slightly chewy in the mouth but soft too, a lovely push of chalky black fruits from start to finish. Good weight and texture, more delicate and refined than the Charmille cuvée with less overt acidity, but such lovely plump flavours. Very clean and well worked. A slight hint of toasted spice on the finish, but gently warming. Nice presentation." (2020 vintage)
Pierre Lurton “Canton du loup” (Canton of the wolf) has its origin in the red clays, rich in iron, of the limestone plateau of Tizac de Curton. These well-balanced soils, combining clay and the freshness of limestone with filtering properties, offer wines of great concentration and warmth in the mouth. The Canton du Loup 2018 has a ruby red color, reveals fruit aromas with brandy and cocoa....the palate is round, offering a richly structured substance and complex aromas of stone fruits, spices and blond tobacco."
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 Marjoss 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.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Chardonneret Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
93/100 The Wine INdependent
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2018 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2018 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.
100% chardonnay
James Suckling "..Solid and structured with a refreshing and vivid fruit character. Full-bodied with creamy texture and crunchy acidity....Lingering, chalky finish.... with apples and pears as well as dried flowers and leafy herbs. Some lemon biscuit as well."
James Suckling "..Excellent focus and length...Peach, pear, lemon curd, pastry, chalk, biscuit, white pepper and sea breeze on the nose. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Unfolds in layers on the palate. Concentrated and textured." (2019 vintage)
Jeff leve, "Fruity, juicy, forward and sweet with a core of lemons and pears, the wine is round and creamy with a yellow citrus endnote. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, "The debut vintage of this 100% Chardonnay is sweet, round and juicy with creamy lemons on the nose and palate. The floral, crushed stone and waxy lemon character in the perfume hits the spot.' (2018 vintage)
Decanter "A honeysuckle edge on the attack, there is a touch of bitterness on the finish, giving a yin-yang balance to the gorgeous citrus and oyster shell notes. No malolactic fermentation. Fermented and aged in Y d'Yquem barrels, and the Chardonnay was field-grafted from a highly illustrious producer in Burgundy, ensuring that this wine comes with inbuilt stories." (2018 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.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
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.
Timeless elegance of Bordeaux - Bordeaux Signature Collection Premium Mixed 6 Pack. This exceptional selection brings together the finest reds and whites from the region’s prestigious appellations, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and sophistication. From bold, structured reds with layers of dark fruit and subtle oak to vibrant, aromatic whites with crisp minerality, each bottle embodies the art of Bordeaux winemaking. Ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, or those seeking to elevate their wine experiences, this collection is a true celebration of Bordeaux’s signature style.
2 x Chateau Marquis de Terme, Margaux (Organic) 2016 - Bordeaux , France
94/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
93/100 Neal Martin, Vinous
92/100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92/100 Falstaff Magazin
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Decanter
91/100 Jeb Dunnuck
90/100 Wine Spectator
Silver, International Wine & Spirit Competition
Organic
Jeff Leve “...Soft, polished, round and with fruit to spare, this is showing great today and will only get better with time...floral nuances to the licorice, cherry, black raspberry and smoky overtones. ”
Neal Martin, Vinous “...Elegant and cohesive, this is a fine Margaux .........crushed violet and incense infusing the vivacious black fruit. The lightly spiced, medium-bodied palate features supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a pinch of white pepper on the finish.”
Julia Harding MW “Deep cherry. Fragrant with sweet dark-red and black fruit and a touch of oak sweetness. Firm, chewy, not trying to charm at the moment but it’s all in place, just needs to open and blossom.”
Wine Spectator "Warm in feel, with dark plum, cassis and cherry compote flavors forming the core. Generally open in feel, with light cocoa, tobacco and alder notes adding spine and texture to offset the tasty fruit."
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot
Chateau Marquis de Terme is a Bordeaux wine estate founded in 1661.
Château Marquis de Terme’s Margaux wine is a legendary Bordeaux wine estate, classified as a 'Quatrième Cru (Fourth Growth) Classé' in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines. American President Thomas Jefferson - himself a wine connoisseur, visited Bordeaux in 1787 - declaring Château Marquis de Terme as one of the 16 best Bordeaux wines he tasted.
Chateau Marquis de Terme began organic farming on a small parcel of vines with their first organic wine being the 2013 vintage. They are now farming their vineyards entirely organically achieving organic certification in 2017. Sitting on the doorstep of Margaux, Château Marquis de Terme is emblematic of both how many Bordeaux châteaux were once created and of the famous Margaux terroir. Though a Grand Cru Classé and world-renowned wine, the family owned estate is dedicated to premium wine-making and world class organic practices. The location of the estate at the heart of the Margaux appellation offers a climate that is heavily influenced by both the Gironde estuary and Bay of Biscay, as well as the sheltering effects of the coastal pine forests that protect the vines from the westerly and northwesterly winds.
Margaux is an important appellation in the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux, southwestern France. The appellation is famous for producing supple, perfumed wines, predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon. The Margaux appellation contains 21 cru classé properties from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification (20 of which still exist), more than any other Left Bank appellation.
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.
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 Malescot 'La Dame de Malescot' 2018 ~ Margaux, Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Falstaff
93/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2015 vinatge)
92/100 Falstaff (2014 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2012 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so drinkable and pretty with fine tannins, as well as currant, spice, cedar and light chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied and very fine-tannined with a long and persistent finish. Second wine of Malescot."
Falstaff "Strong ruby garnet, delicate ocher reflections, broader edge brightening. Nuances of pickled cherries, fine forest berry confit, floral touch, very delicate wood spice. Medium complexity, heart cherries, pleasant sweetness, round tannins, freshly structured, mineral and persistent, a versatile food accompaniment."
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby, purple reflexes, faint brightening on the rim. Delicate dried fruit on the nose with a hint of fig, dark berry fruit, fine herbal savouriness and candied orange zest. Juicy and elegant with pleasant substance, integrated, supporting tannins and good length with a mineral finish. " (2017 vintage)
Peter, Moser, Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges. Red berry confit underlaid with delicate herbs and spices, fine tobacco nuances. Medium body, also red berries on the palate, delicate tannins, salty and mineral notes, lemony finish, uncomplicated food accompaniment." (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "Ripe blackberry and dark plums with a wealth of violets and raspberries. This has a very plush palate with slick, smooth and ripe tannins that carry raspberry and red-plum flavors. Quite approachable." (2015 vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges, attractive dark berry fruit, delicate notes of cassis and liquorice, black cherries, tobacco nuances. Full-bodied, fine blackberry confit, fruity sweetness, well-integrated tannins, sticks, a pleasant, silky food wine with aging potential." (2014 vintage)
Decanter "A great second wine for drinking now, this has lashings of damson fruit to back up the acidity. The tannins are not as intense as they would be in a great vintage but it's good quality, with polish and real appeal. (2012 vintage)
Made by one of France's 'Top 10' winemakers, famous for his 1855 classified "Grand Cru" Bordeaux. This wine is that wine's sought after brother!
Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger has been praised by wine media as "miraculous".
Winestyle "...elegant, full-bodied, harmonious, with hints of ripe cherry, black currant and blackberry, spicy notes, pleasant acidity, soft woody nuances and dry long finish"
Le Point magazine "Candied cherry, beautiful expressive nose, soft palate, velvety tannins, fresh, good finesse, a finish that will give you a surprise, superb fruit … all the power of a Cabernet." (French translation)
The Wine Cellar Insider "Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger is on fire at Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. The wines being made at the property today are stunning!"
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery has a long history in the Bordeaux wine region and is a Grand Cru Classé Chateau in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Malescot St. Exupery can be traced all the way back to 1616 when the Margaux estate was owned by the Escousses family. The Escousses were best known as notaries for the King.
Near the close of the century, in 1697 the Bordeaux wine estate was sold to Simon Malescot. Once Simon became the current owner, he followed the tradition of the time and changed the name of the estate to Malescot. Like the previous owner, Malescot also had a connection to royalty. He was the attorney-general to Louis XIV. Malescot remained with the Malescot family until the French revolution. At that point in time, the large estate was divided between three family members.
Over the next several years, the formerly robust Bordeaux wine estate of Malescot was split and split again. In 1813, Francois Benoit Dunogues purchased the chateau, reselling it in 1825 to Louis Pierlot. After Pierlot’s demise, his heirs had no interested in the wine business. They quickly resold the property to Comte Saint-Exupery.
In the tradition of Bordeaux chateau in the Medoc , following the lead of Malescot, he also added his name to the estate. The property was now known as Chateau Malescot Saint-Exupery.
The Zuger family bought it in 1955. At the time of the sale to the Zuger family Malescot St. Exupery was in such poor shape, only 7 hectares of vines were planted. Extensive replanting of vineyards took place and within a decade, 80% of the vineyard was planted. The Zuger family, headed by Jean Luc Zuger, who took over in 1994, continue to own and manage Chateau Malescot St. Exupery today. Michel Rolland is the consultant.
The vineyards of Chateau Malescot St. Exupery are situated on a terroir of gravel, chalk and clay soils with iron deposits. The vines are planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 10% Cabernet Franc , 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot . On average, the vines are 35 years of age. The vineyards is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Bordeaux is one of the world's most prolific wine regions, it is also one of the the most famous and prestigious.
Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center.
Eighty-nine per cent of wine produced in Bordeaux is red, and made by more than 8,500 producers (which are also known as châteaux).
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Canton Du Loup Rouge 2018 - Bordeaux, France
95/100 The Wine Independent
91/100 James Suckling
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin
Owned by one of the world's famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - presiddent of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d'Yquem.
James Suckling "Firm and structured with a flavorful, dusty finish.....Black fruit, cedar, tobacco and dried leaves on the nose. It's medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins.
Decanter "Perfumed and heavily scented on the nose, vibrant and aromatic - blackcurrants and violets. Slightly chewy in the mouth but soft too, a lovely push of chalky black fruits from start to finish. Good weight and texture, more delicate and refined than the Charmille cuvée with less overt acidity, but such lovely plump flavours. Very clean and well worked. A slight hint of toasted spice on the finish, but gently warming. Nice presentation." (2020 vintage)
Pierre Lurton “Canton du loup” (Canton of the wolf) has its origin in the red clays, rich in iron, of the limestone plateau of Tizac de Curton. These well-balanced soils, combining clay and the freshness of limestone with filtering properties, offer wines of great concentration and warmth in the mouth. The Canton du Loup 2018 has a ruby red color, reveals fruit aromas with brandy and cocoa....the palate is round, offering a richly structured substance and complex aromas of stone fruits, spices and blond tobacco."
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 Marjoss 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.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Chardonneret Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
93/100 The Wine INdependent
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2018 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2018 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.
100% chardonnay
James Suckling "..Solid and structured with a refreshing and vivid fruit character. Full-bodied with creamy texture and crunchy acidity....Lingering, chalky finish.... with apples and pears as well as dried flowers and leafy herbs. Some lemon biscuit as well."
James Suckling "..Excellent focus and length...Peach, pear, lemon curd, pastry, chalk, biscuit, white pepper and sea breeze on the nose. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Unfolds in layers on the palate. Concentrated and textured." (2019 vintage)
Jeff leve, "Fruity, juicy, forward and sweet with a core of lemons and pears, the wine is round and creamy with a yellow citrus endnote. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, "The debut vintage of this 100% Chardonnay is sweet, round and juicy with creamy lemons on the nose and palate. The floral, crushed stone and waxy lemon character in the perfume hits the spot.' (2018 vintage)
Decanter "A honeysuckle edge on the attack, there is a touch of bitterness on the finish, giving a yin-yang balance to the gorgeous citrus and oyster shell notes. No malolactic fermentation. Fermented and aged in Y d'Yquem barrels, and the Chardonnay was field-grafted from a highly illustrious producer in Burgundy, ensuring that this wine comes with inbuilt stories." (2018 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.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
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.