2012 Domaine de Compostelle Pomerol $28 bottle
Fine Bordeaux wine merchants since 1912, the Estager family became wine growers in 1934. Jean-Pierre Estager and his son François currently own and manage both the merchant and family vineyard businesses which Jean-Pierre took over from his father in 1966. Together they have continuously developed and modernized the family firm. Their vineyards encompass 30 hectares (75 acres) in Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Lalande de Pomerol and Montagne Saint Emilion.
2014 Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux de Brane $28 bottle
Very expressive nose, bursting with strawberry and cherry aromas, with floral and vanilla hints. Sweet and subtle attack on the palate, very round bodied, with a velvety texture and a long aromatic finish. Charming wine with a lot of freshness and lovely soft tannins.
2014 Chateau Fonroque Saint Emilion $35 bottle
91 Points Neal Martin “The Château Fonroque 2014 blossoms from the glass with ebullient red berry fruit mixed with rose petal and violets aromas. This palate is crisp and focused with a keen line of acidity that neatly counterbalanced the silky textured, lightly spiced fruit. This is already showing fine cohesion and poise–an excellent wine courtesy of Alain Moueix and one of my picks from the Right Bank this year.”
2012 Chateau Larrivaux Haut Medoc $20 bottle
The next door neighbor to Lafon Rochet. There is a touch of blackcurrant wine gums that develops in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a brine/seaweed-tinged entry – a marine-like Haut Medoc that is nicely balanced with a rounded, smooth, harmonious Pauillac-like finish. This is worth seeking out.
2010 Chateau Cos d’Estournel Les Pagodes de Cos Saint Estephe $85 bottle
93 Points Robert Parker “Probably the best second wine ever made at Cos (although the 2009 should not be discounted), the 2010 Les Pagodes de Cos is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot finishing at 14% natural alcohol. This wine exhibits beautiful, silky tannins as well as sweet, rich mulberry and black currant fruit with hints of spring flowers, licorice and subtle toast. A full-bodied, opulent and -ideal- second wine, most people who have tasted it would probably agree that it is actually better than many vintages of Cos d-Estournel from the 1960s and 1970s.”
2000 Chateau Gruaud Larose Sarget de Gruaud Larose St Julien $60 bottle
91 Points Wine Spectator “This château made a classic grand vin and the second wine is outstanding. Very rich and plummy on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and plenty of fruit on the finish. Serious concentration here.”
