{"title":"April 16: Bordeaux Dinner at Fig","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-la-garde-blanc-pessac-leognan-bordeaux-france-2019","title":"Chateau La Garde, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial price!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"We bought Château la Garde in June 1990, totally seduced by the exceptional quality of the terroir, which is quite possibly one of the finest gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Motivated by this ambitious project, worthy of this magnificent terroir, considerable time and finances have been invested and have been rewarded with the increasingly frequent production of delicate, elegant and appealing fine Pessac-Léognan wines.\" -Patrick Jestin \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocated on one of the appellation's finest gravel outcrops, Château La Garde was one of the first vineyard estates to make a conscious commitment to preserve and protect the natural environment and adopt integrated viticulture. It is now \"Terra Vitis\" certified. It is an approach resulting in the production of premium quality grapes, and is fully mindful of both Man and the environment. Powerful and revealing intense colour, the red wines of Château La Garde Pessac-Léognan are well-structured and concentrated and ideal for ageing. Round, supple and alluring, they reflect the elegance and finesse of the terroir and today feature among the elite of the Pessac-Léognan appellation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e89% Sauvignon blanc, 11% Sémillon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe, attractive stone fruit aromas at first. Subtle citrus additions. Concentrated palate. Textural, but not intrusive oak. Lovely length. Juicy finish. Slightly spicy, mineral. Almost Pouilly-Fumé like. Very good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot much is produced of this wine, which comes from a small portion of the La Garde vineyard. It has a freshness from the high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend. Crisply textured, it will benefit from more time to bring out the supporting wood aging. Drink from 2023.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50334301749553,"sku":null,"price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/ChateauLaGarde_BlancPessac-Leognan_Bordeaux_France_2019.jpg?v=1759500258"},{"product_id":"chateau-roquefort-bordeaux-blanc-bordeaux-france-2021","title":"Chateau Roquefort, Blanc, Bordeaux, France, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFrederic Bellanger took the reins of Château Roquefort at the young age of 32. His wines are vinified on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks after undergoing a cold soak and is bottled just 6 months after harvest to maintain freshness.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChâteau Roquefort is a winemaking estate owned by the Bellanger family. It has a magnificent location between the Garonne and the Dordogne amid the vineyards of Bordeaux, not far from Saint-Emilion. With 100 hectares of vines, the estate has been producing high-quality Bordeaux wines and exceptional cuvees for more than 40 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFrederic Bellanger\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSaint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe château's classic cuvée. A vintage with a timeless style. \u003cspan\u003eClear and bright, the dress has a pale color. The aromatic palette is complex with floral notes dominating: hawthorn, linden, and jasmine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the palate, tropical fruits and citrus fruits appear: lychee, pineapple, grapefruit, Williams pear. Good tension, good acidity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweetness and freshness are in harmony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerfumed and with fine fruit, the wine is full of baked apple fruitiness. Its rounded spicy aftertaste gives the wine complexity and a fine tangy aftertaste. Drink now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51010869330225,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Roquefort_Bordeaux_Blanc_Bordeaux_France_2021.jpg?v=1742603714"},{"product_id":"chateau-montrose-saint-estephe-bordeaux-2012","title":"Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France, 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished as a Second Growth in the 1855 classification, Chateau Montrose enjoys an exceptional geographical situation in Saint-Estèphe, facing the Gironde estuary. Its 95-hectare (235-acre) vineyard thus benefits from the moderating influence of the vast water mass nearby during very hot summers and harsh winters. The vineyard is in a single sweep, a rare and priceless advantage in the region. The soil, consisting of deep gravel over clay, favours natural drainage and ensures that the vines benefit from a slow and regular water supply from the water reserves in the subsoil. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extensive renovation program with very strict environmental objectives has been carried out at the estate since it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006, reflecting the new owners’ determination to perpetuate the quality of the wine and make Chateau Montrose a model of skilled winemaking and sustainable development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the direction of Hervé Berland since 2012, the estate has 68 employees in the vineyard and winery, all of whom share the same philosophy: respect for the terroir and a constant quest for excellence. That philosophy is manifested in meticulous vineyard practices, very precise parcel selection and use of only the best grapes to make the premium wine, Chateau Montrose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other qualities are used to make the second wine, La Dame de Montrose, and the third wine, Le Saint-Estèphe de Montrose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePierre Graffeuille\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSt. Estephe, Bordeaux, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine is a deep, dazzling purple. Initially rather closed, the nose opens with airing to reveal elegant fresh fruit, blackcurrant bud and eucalyptus aromas. A fresh, clean attack leads into a full, powerful and silky mid-palate, building to an incredibly long finish on notes of brioche and liquorice. An intense and stylish vintage to come back to in a few years’ time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduced in the magnificent new cellars at Montrose, this big, tannic wine is powerful and concentrated. It has something of the classic severity of a wine from this estate, but that’s mitigated by the ripe, generous blackberry fruitiness and the final freshness of a 2012. A great success, to drink from 2022.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFascinating aromas of blackberries with cacao and buttery notes. This is a full-bodied red combining well-rounded tannins, lovely acidity and a mouth-watering finish. Yet turns firm and powerful. Drink in 2020.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTasted at the château, the 2012 Montrose is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 24 September and 20 October. It underwent a particularly long maceration period between 26 and 28 days. It offers more fruit intensity than the 2011 Montrose with blackberry, raspberry and bilberry scents, quite backward and primal yet well defined. The aromatics almost mock you because returning after ten minutes, there are glimpses of underlying dried herb and mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied, intense and very focused, clearly with more depth and sinew than the 2011, yet displaying impressive precision and energy on the finish, which bodes well for the long-term. Tasted September 2016.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures lively and pure blackberry, fig and plum fruit, lined with enticing singed mesquite, bramble and tar accents. The muscular, tarry finish shows a twinge of austere chalkiness, but there's ample flesh for balance. Best from 2017 through 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA backward, masculine and inky colored effort that offers lots of dark, dark fruits, graphite, crushed rock and charred meats, the 2012 is medium to full-bodied, fresh and lively on the palate, with good acidity, plenty of tannin, yet moderate density and extract. Still, this is a beautiful wine that will reward 4-5 years of cellaring and drink nicely over the following two decades or more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51010941911345,"sku":null,"price":165.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Montrose_Saint-Estephe_Bordeaux_2012.jpg?v=1742744627"},{"product_id":"chateau-lynch-bages-echo-de-lynch-bages-pauillac-bordeaux-2019","title":"Château Lynch-Bages, Echo de Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934. His grandson, Jean-Michel Cazes restructured the estate in 1974, adding state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, while keeping the former wooden vats as a reminder of the 19th century. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are all hand picked and then carefully sorted before crushing. A very strict selection is made prior to blending and the wine is traditionally aged in oak barrels before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFamille J-M Cazes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #c23e12;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePaulillac, Bordeaux, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEcho de Lynch-Bages 2019 displays a deep, brilliant robe. On the nose, the fruit is expressive with glimpses of a lovely freshness. With characteristic finesse and generous palate, its tannic structure is delicately enhanced by intense notes of fresh red fruits such as redcurrants or raspberries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe second wine of Lynch-Bages shows all the power of this estate. The difference lies in the tannins and the ripe flavors of the wine. It has power without the tannins that demand long-term aging. Drink from 2025. Roger Voss\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2019 Echo de Lynch-Bages is composed of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with bold notions of warm cassis, baked blueberries, and fragrant soil, followed by hints of cedar and clove oil. The medium-bodied palate is taut with muscular black fruits, framed by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and fragrant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2019 Echo de Lynch-Bages \u003cspan\u003eis the second wine of Château Lynch-Bages and it's beautifully done, with a more floral, perfumed, pretty style compared to the Grand Vin, yet it still brings plenty of structure. Red and black currants, sappy flowers, tobacco leaf, and gravelly earth all define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, has integrated acidity, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish. It's beautifully balanced and already accessible, yet will nevertheless benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Falstaff\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate lightening at the rim. Heart cherries, delicate plum fruit, a hint of orange, a subtle bouquet. Firm, racy structure, somewhat demanding tannins, mineral, lemony on the finish, slightly vegetal, somewhat austere and demanding on the finish, exhibits a delicate astringency. Should be allowed to age for a few more years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51010952921393,"sku":null,"price":62.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Lynch-Bages_Echo_de_Lynch-Bages_Pauillac_Bordeaux_2019.jpg?v=1742745463"},{"product_id":"chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-les-hauts-de-smith-blanc-bordeaux-france-2023","title":"Smith Haut Lafitte, 'Les Hauts de Smith' (Blanc), Bordeaux, France, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThanks to its 55 hectares of superb gravelly vineyards, Smith Haut Lafitte is often referred to as the \"archetypical Graves.\" The estate's history goes back to the Crusades, and a Scottish navigator, George Smith, who became the owner of the estate in the 18th century. He was followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, and then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard also fell under the spell of this beautiful estate. Since then, they have restored the 16th century tower, renovated the 18th century manor house, built two underground cellars, went back to traditional vine growing methods without chemical herbicides and set up their own cooperage. The perfect elegance, excellent balance and fine structure of Smith Haut Lafitte's red and white wines are the ultimate reflection of the current owners' total commitment to quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFabien Teitgen\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Sauvignon Blanc\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eMade from a blend of wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Hauts de Smith are fermented and aged with just as much care as the Grand Vin. From the vineyard to the cellar, exactly the same winemaking techniques are used.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePale yellow color, fresh citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, fresh acidity, balanced, finishing with a light mineral touch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA tangy and bright white with sliced lemon and light mango, as well as crushed stone and vivid energy. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Purity and energy. 100% sauvignon blanc.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAll Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Hauts De Smith Blanc is light gold-hued and has a rocking bouquet of ripe citrus, sappy herbs, tangerine, and even a hint of mint. It's beautifully balanced, medium-bodied, has bright acidity, and outstanding length, with the vintage's ripe fruit balanced by bright acidity.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Falstaff\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLight greenish yellow, silver reflections. Delicate yellow tropical fruit, notes of mango and guava, a hint of mandarin zest; an inviting, fruity bouquet. Medium body, fine white pear fruit, fresh structure, balanced, a versatile food wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is soft, open-knit and ready to go. This is an especially creamy, unctuous vintage for the Blanc. Lemon \u003cem\u003econfit, \u003c\/em\u003ewhite flowers, white pepper, mint and tangerine peel appear with some air. Bright acids arrive on the finish to balance things out. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc evokes aromas of white fruits, white flowers, citrus and verbena, followed by a medium-bodied, round and satiny palate with a juicy mid-palate and an ethereal, saline and mouthwatering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLes Hauts de Smith Blanc 2023 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and it is aging in around 50% new oak barrels. It skips out of the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, fresh pears, and lime leaves, followed by hints of wet pebbles and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, with a good intensity of citrusy flavors, finishing long and chalky. Nice!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51355825340721,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Smith_Haut_Lafitte_Les_Hauts_de_Smith_Blanc_Bordeaux_France_2023.jpg?v=1747246638"},{"product_id":"chateau-du-retout-haut-medoc-cru-bourgeois-superieur-france-2022","title":"Chateau du Retout, Haut-Medoc Cru, Bourgeois Superieur, France, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Phylloxera crisis at the end of the 19th century destroyed most of the French vineyards. Shortly after, the First World War, as well as the splitting up of properties due to inheritance laws, often led to the abandonment of winegrowing in general and even to the disappearance of some of the smaller wine estates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was the case with Château Retou-Rosset in Lamarque and Château Salva de Camino in Cussac Fort Médoc, both of which were classified “crus bourgeois”, as well as another estate, the “petit cru” Château Moulina. It was only in the 1950s, after their acquisition by the Kopp family, that these estates were brought back to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a great deal of time and effort, the vineyards were gradually rebuilt. Today, this estate is still run by the Kopp family; daughter and son-in-law.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEric Boissenot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBordeaux, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Médoc grape varieties and soils give us wines with superb, dense, dark hues, ranging from deep garnet to ruby-crimson, taking on brick red shades with orange tints with age. Very intense and expressive aromas with powerful notes of black fruit such as blackcurrants and blackberries. In older wines, the nose develops a spicy bouquet of liquorice, leather and marshmallow mingled with the vanilla scents created by well-integrated oak. Harmonious, elegant and velvety, with smooth, round tannins, that can be appreciated from the wine's entry to the palate through to the finish. These are delightfully full-bodied wines with great aromatic persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e#45 of Top 100, 2024. Shows the ripeness of the vintage, with dark currant and blackberry notes framed by singed cedar and vanilla. Ends with a tug of warm earth, a light twang of iron and a steady grip. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034. 9,600 cases made, 1,990 cases imported.\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2022 Château du Retout has a bright nose with redcurrant, raspberry and blood orange aromas. Underlying graphite notes emerge with time and impart more classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that lend this Haut-Médoc a sensual satin-like texture. Very composed, this sashays along with style. This classy offering should ultimately land at the top of my banded score.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2022 du Retout reveals an elegantly reduced, vibrant bouquet of dark berries, cassis, spices and bay leaf. Medium to full-bodied, enrobing and charming, it's supple and round for a Médoc with delicate, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. It should age gracefully over the next decade.\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOlives, paprika and spiced currants throughout with firm but dissolved tannins that turn caressing and polished in a linear, medium-length finish. Fine-grained and not chewy. Drink from 2025.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"mosaic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51447356129585,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_du_Retout_Haut-Medoc_Cru_Bourgeois_Superieur_France_2022.jpg?v=1749151784"},{"product_id":"chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-les-hauts-de-smith-rouge-pessac-leognan-bordeaux-france-2018","title":"Château Smith Haut Lafitte, 'Les Hauts de Smith' Rouge, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThanks to its 55 hectares of superb gravelly vineyards, Smith Haut Lafitte is often referred to as the \"archetypical Graves.\" The estate's history goes back to the Crusades, and a Scottish navigator, George Smith, who became the owner of the estate in the 18th century. He was followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, and then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1990, Daniel and Florence Cathiard also fell under the spell of this beautiful estate. Since then, they have restored the 16th century tower, renovated the 18th century manor house, built two underground cellars, went back to traditional vine growing methods without chemical herbicides and set up their own cooperage. The perfect elegance, excellent balance and fine structure of Smith Haut Lafitte's red and white wines are the ultimate reflection of the current owners' total commitment to quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDaniel and Florence Cathiard\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60% Merlot \u0026amp; 40% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and voluptuous, the palate is medium-bodied, with fine, coated tannins and a supple finish with a hint of graphite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLots of sweet tobacco and bark to the plum and red currant aromas that follow through to a full body with round, creamy tannins that are powerful and rich. A well framed red. Lots of flavor, too. Mostly merlot. Try after 2025.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2018 Les Hauts de Smith is a powerhouse. I recall a much more open-knit wine from en primeur, but the bottled 2018 packs a serious punch. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, gravel and licorice give the 2018 a distinctly brooding feel. Les Hauts is conceived as a restaurant wine, but the 2018 is far from an easygoing example. There is plenty of depth, power and structure. A burst of dark red fruit laced with floral overtones punctuates the finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eA violet note infuses waves of blackberry and plum paste, while licorice, sweet bay leaf and mesquite fill in throughout. The nicely focused finish has a subtle tug of leather. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2032. 9,165 cases made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eI get some austerity here compared to Le Thil, and you feel the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the savoury edge to the fruit. The focus overall is on balance and freshness, with blueberry and raspberry softened by gourmet edges of coffee, mocha and traces of fig. A yield of 21hl\/ha (28hl\/ha for the reds).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2018 Les Hauts de Smith is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 20% new barriques. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass with expressive scents of Morello cherries, mulberries and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of underbrush and cinnamon toast. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy red and black fruits, supported by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a perfumed lift. Yum!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2018 Les Hauts De Smith is the younger vine, more Merlot-dominated wine from this great estate, and it's a 60\/40 split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has lots of classic Graves earthy minerality as well as plenty of ripe darker berry fruits, notes of green herbs, truffle, and cedar, a ripe, plush, rounded texture, and medium-bodied richness and length. This outstanding, complex Pessac is ideal for enjoying any time over the coming 7-8 years, if not upwards of a decade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51493315543345,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Chateau_Smith_Haut_Lafitte_Les_Hauts_de_Smith_Rouge_Pessac-Leognan_Bordeaux_France_2018.jpg?v=1750270384"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/april-16-bordeaux-dinner-at-fig.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}