The Bordeaux Experience: Right vs Left Bank Box

This wine boasts a deep ruby colour and an elegant nose with aromas of dark fruit, toasted bread, and liquorice. On the palate, it is unctuous and smooth, with a fres...

This wine boasts a deep ruby colour and an elegant nose with aromas of dark fruit, toasted bread, and liquorice. On the palate, it is unctuous and smooth, with a fresh aromatic profile where blackberry, cherry, and cassis mingle with hints of toast and smokiness. The superb structure and balance, free from over-ripeness or excessive oak, reflect the meticulous care taken from vineyard to bottle. This wine embodies great value and is a true representation of the Bertrand family's dedication to their craft.Jacques Bertrand, along with his three children Anne-Marie, Bruno, and Catherine, meticulously manages the family-owned Château Carteau Côtes Daugay estate, nestled on the south-western slopes of Daugay. The vineyard, spanning 16 hectares, benefits from limestone-rich soils that are perfectly suited to their Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, averaging 30 years of age.

This rich and structured Bordeaux is a hidden gem, offering Pomerol-like quality at a fraction of the price. Made predominantly from Merlot (90%) with a touch of Cabe...

This rich and structured Bordeaux is a hidden gem, offering Pomerol-like quality at a fraction of the price. Made predominantly from Merlot (90%) with a touch of Cabernet Franc, it boasts intense aromas of ripe plum, cassis, and dark roast coffee, with hints of tobacco and cedar. The palate is velvety yet firm, bursting with blackberries, mulberries, and vanilla, underpinned by silky but structured tannins. The finish is long and complex, promising further evolution over the next five years. Château Mayne-Vieil, owned by the Sèze family, is one of Fronsac’s most historic and respected estates, with a history dating back to the 1500s. Located on rolling hills overlooking the Dordogne River, the single-block vineyard spans 47 hectares, planted with 35-year-old vines on clay and silt soils. 85% of the wine is matured in concrete vats and 15% in barrel, preserving its rich fruit profile while adding depth and elegance. A sustainably farmed estate with HVE 3 certification, Château Mayne-Vieil is proof that Fronsac is one of the best-value appellations in Bordeaux today.

This wine is all about bright, ripe red fruits, with a lovely touch of sweet oak spice in the background. It’s smooth as silk, thanks to its soft tannins, and has ...

This wine is all about bright, ripe red fruits, with a lovely touch of sweet oak spice in the background. It’s smooth as silk, thanks to its soft tannins, and has a perfect lift of acidity that makes it super elegant on the finish. Château Macquin sits just a stone’s throw from Saint-Émilion, in the tiny village of Saint-Georges, which might be the smallest Bordeaux appellation, but it’s certainly not short on quality. At 89 metres above sea level, the vines here benefit from a fantastic elevation that brings freshness and concentration to the wine. Planted on rich clay and limestone soils, the vines—ranging from 15 to 60 years old—are sustainably farmed, with no nasty herbicides or chemicals in sight. Just pure, clean winemaking at its best.

With roots tracing back to Hugh Barton, an Irishman who became one of Bordeaux’s most legendary wine merchants, Barton & Guestier is one of the oldest and most pre...

With roots tracing back to Hugh Barton, an Irishman who became one of Bordeaux’s most legendary wine merchants, Barton & Guestier is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in Bordeaux. The family’s deep Irish connection continues today, with their wines being proudly showcased at The K Club, Ireland’s ultimate luxury resort and a haven for wine lovers. Château Magnol, acquired by Barton & Guestier in 1969, has been meticulously restored to Cru Bourgeois status, with its vines thriving in the region’s gravel-rich terroir. This wine is a true Bordeaux classic, blending tradition, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship into every glass. Rich, ripe, and elegant, this Haut-Médoc is all about luxurious fruit and velvety tannins. Expect luscious black cherries, ripe raspberries, and a hint of cassis, layered with delicate hints of vanilla, spice, and cedar from perfectly judged oak ageing. The palate is supple yet structured, with beautifully integrated tannins giving it that signature Bordeaux finesse.

Chateau Charmail is a hidden gem of the Haut-Médoc, known for crafting wines of exceptional depth and elegance. Nestled along the Garonne River, its vineyards benefit...

Chateau Charmail is a hidden gem of the Haut-Médoc, known for crafting wines of exceptional depth and elegance. Nestled along the Garonne River, its vineyards benefit from gravelly soils and the classic Bordeaux maritime climate, allowing the grapes to develop both power and finesse. The estate is known for its generous use of Petit Verdot, adding an extra punch of spice and structure to the blend. This second wine, Les Tours de Charmail, is a seriously impressive bottle—a perfect introduction to the richness and refinement of Haut-Médoc wines without the classified growth price tag. This is classic Left Bank Bordeaux with a bold, opulent twist. A rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, it delivers layer upon layer of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, all wrapped up in silky tannins and a whisper of oak spice. There’s a lovely balance between juicy fruit and structured depth, with hints of tobacco, cocoa, and a touch of graphite adding complexity. The finish is long, smooth, and just a little bit seductive, making it the perfect fireside pour or steak night companion.

This is the perfect Margaux to drink now – elegant, expressive, and already showing beautifully in the glass. Dark cherry, cassis and a flicker of sweet spice lead on ...

This is the perfect Margaux to drink now – elegant, expressive, and already showing beautifully in the glass. Dark cherry, cassis and a flicker of sweet spice lead on the nose, with a palate that’s both juicy and refined. Polished tannins and bright acidity carry notes of graphite, plum and a hint of dark chocolate through to a long, graceful finish. Chateau Durfort-Vivens is a Second Growth estate and a benchmark for biodynamic winemaking in Bordeaux. Owned by Gonzague Lurton and certified organic and biodynamic since 2016, the estate has become known for its purity of fruit and sense of place. 'Les Plantes' is made from younger vines and aged mostly in clay amphorae, which enhances its freshness and charm. This is a modern Margaux with traditional roots – structured yet approachable, and thoroughly enjoyable from the first pour.