CHATEAU DE LAMARQUE, HAUT-MEDOC

BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2016

When it comes to a Bordeaux bargain, especially from a celebrated vintage such as 2016, there may be nothing better than today’s offer. From a property whose chateau is the oldest in the Medoc (a fortified castle going back a thousand years), it is the pedigree of the estate that is most impressive, with today’s owners descendants of a family who has owned some of the most prestigious sites in all of Bordeaux, including Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux – as well as Brane-Mouton which went on to become Chateau Mouton Rothschild. With vineyards dating back to the 15th century and wine production officially being established right after the French Revolution, Chateau de Lamarque has been going through a renaissance of late, producing knockout wines at unbelievable prices and capturing the attention of wine aficionados and publications everywhere. Today’s 2016 is no exception, a 93-point value red that displays a “plump, sexy, forward style” as well as a “purity that’s the hallmark of the vintage” (Jeb Dunnuck).

With such rich, aristocratic history (Henry V at one point being the property’s owner), Chateau de Lamarque remains a mainstay for tradition. That being said, the current owners undertook a rigorous program to identify and better understand the diversity of the site’s terroir, developing improved vineyard practices while maintaining a respect for the purity of the fruit. Located on the left bank of the Gironde between Margaux and Pauillac, there are three main parcels of vines comprised of deep gravelly soils that give the wine its classic flair. From 38 hectares of vineyards averaging 35 years old, stainless steel and cement vats are used for vinification, with each plot fermented separately and then expertly blended to produce a final wine based on the structure and aromatics from each plot, aged nearly 18 months in oak. “Ripe and generous with lovely freshness. This is a very elegant Haut-Medoc that has excellent balance and a long, almost silky finish” (James Suckling). Enjoyable now as well as over the next 15 years, today’s wine gets under $22 a bottle when 12 or more bottles or purchased. A deal like this for Bordeaux doesn’t come along too often, so now’s your chance to stock up!