FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR...
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Why Buy: These 9 wines – all from the 2019 vintage that moved the great critic Jancis Robinson to ask whether it might be the "best ever,” all ready to drink now – sing out with the enduring virtues of time and place that our friend and colleague Pierre-Yves, who directs our buying operations in Bordeaux, has indefatigably striven to showcase in his work, and are gems deserving of wider attention.
The Backstory: You've heard us talk, from time to time, about Pierre-Yves, a walking Wiki of insider intel about estates, wines, vintages, and family histories. We asked him to curate a short list for us of some of his personal favorites in the region that are ready to go right now, among all the estates and domaines he knows and works with. And so, that is precisely what you have here, friends: a Little Black Book of Bordeaux, of the wines that are currently nearest and dearest to his connoisseur’s heart.
What They’re Saying: “Now that the wines have well and truly settled into bottle, on the basis of tasting 270 of them ...," Robinson wrote to her readers, more than 5 years ago, "I can report that the [2019] vintage is looking very good indeed, perhaps the best I have ever tasted at this stage."
Our Tasting Notes: Our tasting sessions were an absolute delight, with Pierre-Yves leading us through these 9 bottles and the stories of the estates, and the stories behind the stories, and regaling us with all the fascinating details that make these living histories, live. The wines we tasted spoke to the qualities our friend and colleague has long championed in his work – a love of tradition, a deep regard for terroir, and an abiding affection for the value of continuity in a time of rapid change. A cynic might say: yeah, but can you taste those things? And in fact you can: these are all wines of earthiness, distinctiveness, and charm, and with the structure, proportionality, and finesse that makes them such great companions at the table.
Fun Fact: Pierre-Yves likes to say that he has applied the principles he learned as a young man on the pitch, or football field, to the wine world– namely, tenaciousness, persistence, and the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estates, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer will expire on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, or until items are sold out.
