Bordeaux Region Report

St Estephe, Cru Grand Bourgeois Exceptional
Half Bottle

Château Meyney, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, has a history dating back to the 17th century. The 1986 vintage, now approaching four decades of maturity, offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of this esteemed estate's offerings.​


Tasting Profile

Over the years, the 1986 Château Meyney has developed a nuanced profile. Tasting notes from 2023 describe the wine as having very mature fruit, soft tannins, a lighter body, and a smooth finish. While the fruit has faded, it remains a pleasant old Bordeaux. Another review highlights aromas reminiscent of an old humidor, leather, prunes, and cedar, suggesting the wine is probably just past its peak. …
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Price: £62.95
Stock: 24 in Stock

St Emilion Grand Cru

The 1986 Bordeaux vintage was highly regarded on the Left Bank for its structured, age-worthy wines, while the Right Bank produced good but more variable results. In Saint-Émilion, the year delivered firm, classically styled reds with notable tannins and freshness. These wines, now almost four decades on, show their maturity with developed complexity while retaining some backbone from the cooler season.

Tasting Note
This 1986 Château Milon opens with a brick-tinged garnet colour, reflecting its long evolution in bottle. The bouquet is mature and inviting, showing dried red fruits, leather, cedar, and hints of tobacco leaf. …
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Price: £89.95
Stock: 2 in Stock

Margaux 3me Cru Classe
93 Points - Wine Journal

*** 93 Points Wine Journal ***
Reviews "This is one of the great Palmers of the 1980s, though it is several years since I last encountered it. Here, there is one word that springs to mind-class. Wonderful definition, a little reserved at first, but wonderfully defined with cedar, sandalwood and cigar box. The palate has firm tannins as you would expect from an -86, but it is married with Margaux femininity, leading to a lovely, supple finish with graphite and blackberry lingering on the back palate. Superb. Drink now-2018. Tasted November 2009." Neil Martin, Wine Journal

Château Palmer, …
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Price: £285.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Emilion Premiere Grand cru Classe

The Château Trotte Vieille 1986 is a wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France. This estate is classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) and is known for producing elegant and age-worthy wines that reflect its historic terroir. The 1986 vintage was more celebrated on the Left Bank but still yielded intriguing wines on the Right Bank, particularly for producers with meticulous vineyard management.

Wine Overview
Château Trotte Vieille is known for its classic Bordeaux blends, and the 1986 vintage is likely composed of:

Cabernet Franc (dominant): Contributing structure, floral aromatics, and herbal notes. …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 13 in Stock

St Emilion Grand Cru Classe
Damaged label

The Château Ausone 1985 is a wine from a vintage celebrated for its elegance and balance in Bordeaux. Known for its unique terroir and meticulous winemaking, Château Ausone produced a wine in 1985 that reflects the charm and accessibility of the vintage, while showcasing the estate's signature complexity and finesse.

Wine Overview
Château Ausone, one of the four Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" estates in Saint-Émilion, typically blends:

Cabernet Franc (dominant): Adding structure, floral aromatics, and herbal nuances.
Merlot: Contributing softness, richness, and a lush fruit profile.
Vintage Characteristics
The 1985 vintage in Bordeaux benefited from a warm and even growing season, …
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Price: £425.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Emilion Grand Cru Classe

The Château Ausone 1983 is a fascinating vintage from one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation. While the 1983 vintage was somewhat overshadowed by the legendary 1982, it offered its own set of unique qualities, producing wines with elegance and charm. Château Ausone, known for its limestone terroir and meticulous craftsmanship, crafted a wine in 1983 that reflects the vintage’s character while showcasing the estate’s signature style.

Wine Overview
The 1983 Château Ausone is typically composed of a blend of:

Cabernet Franc (dominant): Contributing structure, floral aromas, and herbal complexity. …
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Price: £445.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

Moulis en Medoc

Château Chasse-Spleen, a distinguished estate in Bordeaux's Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, has a storied history of producing wines that embody the elegance and complexity characteristic of the region. The 1983 vintage, now approaching four decades of maturity, offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of this esteemed estate's offerings.​


Tasting Profile
With the passage of time, the 1983 Château Chasse-Spleen has developed a nuanced profile. Tasting notes from 2006 describe the wine as having a lovely faded blackcurrant nose with an earthy background. On the palate, it presents as round, spicy, and slightly earthy, leading to a nice long warm finish. …
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 5 in Stock

St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification

This is a very fine 1983: Far superior on the nose to the 1988. Damson, mulberry and a touch of earth. Fine definition. Perhaps even a little mint leaf. The palate is well-defined with rounded, plummy damson fruit. Not complex but there is a vigour and charm here. Fresh acidity. Becomes quite minerally in the finish. Drinking superbly now.

Château Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the early 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, the estate is renowned for its grand architectural style, including the iconic pagodas that distinguish its winery. …
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Price: £175.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

Cantenac (Margaux) 3me cru classe

The 1983 Château d'Issan is a beautifully aged Third Growth Margaux, offering a refined and elegant expression of this historic estate. The 1983 vintage in Bordeaux was highly regarded, particularly in the Margaux appellation, where wines developed excellent structure and longevity. Now, after over 40 years of aging, this wine presents a fascinating opportunity for collectors and lovers of mature Bordeaux.

With a deep garnet color and amber hues, the wine showcases a complex bouquet of red and black currants, subtle bergamot, and mint, with tertiary notes of cedar and tobacco. The palate remains medium-bodied and well-balanced, with softened tannins and a lingering, refined finish. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 2 in Stock

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Half Bottle 37.5cl

​Château Larmande, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the region's oldest estates, with a history dating back to 1585. The 1983 vintage, now over four decades old, offers a unique opportunity to experience a mature expression of this Grand Cru Classé wine.​

Tasting Notes

Specific tasting notes for the 1983 Château Larmande are limited. However, given its age, it's plausible that the wine exhibits tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. It's important to note that individual bottle conditions can vary, especially with wines of this age. …
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Price: £49.95
Stock: 15 in Stock

Pauillac 5me Cru Classe

*** 88 points Wine Journal ***

Reviews
"This has a light nose, mulberry, a touch of wild mushroom, sloe and a touch of caramel. Moderate definition. Palate is medium-bodied, quite rustic tannins, mulberry, touch of leather, the acidity a little sharp and attacking. Course, peppery finish." Neil Martin Wine Journal tasted 2009.

Château Lynch-Bages is an iconic wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 18th century, the estate has established itself as one of the leading producers of exceptional red wines. Encompassing approximately 100 hectares, …
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Price: £179.00
Stock: 2 in Stock

Margaux

The 1983 Clos des Quatre Vents from the Margaux appellation is a mature Bordeaux wine that has developed complex characteristics over the decades.

Tasting Notes:
Deep garnet with a brick-red rim. A bouquet of dried fruits such as prunes and figs, interwoven with tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor. Subtle hints of cedar and spice add to its complexity. Medium bodied palate with softened tannins, offering flavours of stewed blackberries, earthy undertones, and a touch of savoury minerality. The finish is smooth, with lingering notes of dried herbs and a hint of mocha. …
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Price: £89.95
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Emilion Grand Cru Classe

The Château Ausone 1982 is a highly sought-after wine from one of Bordeaux's most esteemed estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation. The 1982 vintage is legendary across Bordeaux for its near-perfect growing conditions, producing wines of exceptional quality, power, and aging potential. While Château Ausone had a slightly different style and reputation during the early 1980s compared to today, the 1982 remains a fascinating and historic wine, showcasing the estate’s unique limestone terroir.

Wine Overview
Château Ausone is celebrated for its small production and unparalleled terroir. The 1982 vintage likely includes a blend of:

Cabernet Franc (dominant): Adding structure, aromatic intensity, and floral and herbal notes. …
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Price: £585.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Julien, 4th Growth Classification

1982 Château Branaire-Ducru – A Benchmark Bordeaux from a Legendary Vintage
The 1982 Château Branaire-Ducru comes from one of the most celebrated Bordeaux vintages of the 20th century. The 1982 growing season was marked by warm, dry conditions and an ideal harvest, allowing for excellent grape ripeness and tannin development. As a fourth-growth estate in the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation, Château Branaire-Ducru has long been known for producing refined and structured wines that age beautifully over time. The 1982 vintage is no exception, offering a mature and expressive profile after more than 40 years in the bottle. …
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Price: £139.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification

Review by Robert Parker... "A spectacular performance for this wine, Cos d'Estournel's 1982 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color with light pink at the rim. Sweet aromas of jammy black fruits intermixed with roasted espresso and vanillin jump from the glass of this young, concentrated, full-bodied, succulent effort. An opulent texture, low acidity, and splendidly pure, concentrated, blackberry and cassis fruit suggest this 1982 can be drunk now, or cellared for another 15-20 years. An awesome wine!" Wine Advocate, 2000

Château Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. …
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Price: £495.00
Stock: 2 in Stock

Listrac (Médoc) Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel

Château Fourcas Hosten, located in Bordeaux's Listrac-Médoc appellation, has a history dating back to the 18th century. The 1982 vintage, celebrated for its exceptional quality across Bordeaux, yielded wines with remarkable richness and aging potential.​

Tasting Notes

A tasting note from 2013 for the 1982 Château Fourcas Hosten indicates that the wine had "held up very well," with "lots of fruit on the palate even after 31 years in a cellar." This suggests that, at that time, the wine maintained its fruit character and structure.​
CellarTracker

Serving Suggestions

When serving a mature wine like the 1982 Château Fourcas Hosten, …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 23 in Stock

Pauillac, Cru Bourgeois

​Château Pibran, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The 1982 vintage is particularly noteworthy, as it is considered one of the finest in Bordeaux's history, producing wines with exceptional richness, concentration, and aging potential.​
The Wine Cellar Insider

Tasting Notes

While specific tasting notes for the 1982 Château Pibran are limited, one community member described it as having an excellent nose and being very pleasant to drink, awarding it 87 points. Given its age, the wine likely exhibits tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. …
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Price: £65.00
Stock: 3 in Stock

Pauillac, Cru Bourgeois

​Château Pibran, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The 1982 vintage is particularly noteworthy, as it is considered one of the finest in Bordeaux's history, producing wines with exceptional richness, concentration, and aging potential.​
The Wine Cellar Insider

Tasting Notes

While specific tasting notes for the 1982 Château Pibran are limited, one community member described it as having an excellent nose and being very pleasant to drink, awarding it 87 points. Given its age, the wine likely exhibits tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. …
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

Saint-Julien, 2nd Wine

Built in 1565, Château Beychevelle has long been celebrated for its exceptional wines. It was recognised as a Fourth Growth estate in the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, and today the team continues to uphold its stellar reputation. This Amiral Beychevelle from the 1981 vintage is their second wine – made with the same care and precision as their grand vin, but from younger vines and with a higher proportion of Merlot in the blend.

Tasting Notes:
Deep garnet hue with slight bricking at the rim, indicative of its maturity. Evolved bouquet featuring notes of dried black fruits, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones. …
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Price: £139.00
Stock: 2 in Stock

St Julien, 4th Growth Classification

The 1981 Branaire is quite forward, precociously supple, and fruity. The bouquet is showing expansive, complex, chocolatey, cedary components.

About Chateau Branaire Ducru Château Branaire-Ducru is a renowned wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region in France. It is classified as a Fourth Growth (Quatrième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which highlights its longstanding reputation for quality. The estate spans approximately 60 hectares of vineyards, planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 11 in Stock

St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification

The 1981 Cos d'Estournel is a deep ruby colour, with a spicy, rich, briery, tightly knit bouquet, this wine is deeper and more promising than the 1983, but relatively light, compact, and lean.

Château Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the early 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, the estate is renowned for its grand architectural style, including the iconic pagodas that distinguish its winery. Covering approximately 100 hectares, the vineyard benefits from a unique terroir of gravel and clay soils, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 2 in Stock

Pauillac 5th Growth Classification

​Château Croizet-Bages, a fifth-growth estate in Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, has a history dating back to the 18th century. The 1981 vintage, while not among the most celebrated years in Bordeaux, offers a unique opportunity to experience a mature expression of this estate's wine.​

Specific tasting notes for the 1981 Château Croizet-Bages are limited, reflecting the vintage's modest reputation. However, given the wine's age, it's likely to exhibit tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. It's important to note that individual bottle conditions can vary, especially with wines of this age. …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 12 in Stock

St Julien, 2eme Growth Classification

The 1981 Ducru Beaucailiou has a very intense red; nose of berries, nice claret bouquet; good fruit on the palate, broad; initially quite green - not a great vintage but quite acceptable.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, located in the renowned Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is an iconic estate celebrated for its exceptional wines and illustrious history. Dating back to the 18th century, this historic property has been meticulously tended by generations of the Borie family, who have upheld a tradition of excellence in winemaking. Situated on gravelly soils along the Gironde River, …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 1 in Stock

St Julien 2me Growth Classification

A deep tawny rim with a mahogany core. This has a delightful nose, very good intensity with notes of cooked meats, roasted chestnut, toffee and a touch of marzipan. It smells as if it is from a hot vintage! After five minutes in the glass, it become a little muffled but develops a touch of mint. The palate certainly has more fruit concentration than the 1980, a rounded texture, quite sharp acidity with notes of sour cherry, a touch of leather and a dry, rather gamey, but attenuated finish. Not bad for a 1981.

Château Léoville Poyferré is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. …
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Price: £165.00
Stock: 6 in Stock

Pauillac 5th Growth Classification

1980 Château Batailley – A Mature Pauillac from a Challenging Vintage
The 1980 Château Batailley comes from a vintage that tested Bordeaux winemakers due to cool, wet conditions throughout the growing season. Château Batailley, a fifth-growth estate in Pauillac, is known for producing structured, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines that traditionally age well. However, 1980 was not a strong vintage, with a late and difficult harvest leading to wines that were generally lighter in body and acidity-driven rather than deeply concentrated.

Now, more than 40 years later, any well-preserved bottle of 1980 Château Batailley will have evolved into a delicate, fully mature wine. …
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Price: £65.95
Stock: 1 in Stock