Bringing Bordeaux to you - virtual wine tastings, podcasts and online events
If you are looking to organize your own virtual tasting event
please visit our Virtual Tastings page.
Although our travels have been put on hold, there are still ways to learn about and experience the many wine regions around the world - including Bordeaux. Many wineries and other wine related businesses have begun to offer virtual wine tastings and online classes, allowing those watching or listening to enhance their wine knowledge and learn about these wine producing regions even if they can’t physically visit. We have pulled together a list of upcoming and recently recorded Bordeaux-related virtual tastings and online events. We have also included a couple of recent Bordeaux specific podcasts that we thought you might enjoy. So grab a glass and check out these virtual events and podcasts below. These gatherings are free, fun and interactive!
This list will be updated as and when new online events are announced!
Upcoming Virtual Events
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Past Virtual Events and Podcasts
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux – Cooler vs. Warmer Vintages
Under the guidance of Bordeaux expert Jane Anson and Richard Bampfield MW, join us for a vintage comparison as the warmer years go head to head with cooler vintages.
Wine Samples tasted included : 2011 Chateau Duhart-Milon Pauillac Quatrieme Cru; 2007 Chateau L’Eglise-Clinet Pomerol; 2001 Chateau Langoa Barton Saint Julien Troisieme Cru; 2000 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac Leognan Grand Cru Classe; 2003 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac Deuxieme Cru; 2009 Chateau Troplong Mondot Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux vs. Burgundy with Ronan Sayburn MS & Gearoid Devaney MS
These two very different regions and terroirs produce very different expressions, from the elegance and finesse of Burgundy to the polish and boldness of Bordeaux. Join experts Ronan and Gearoid for an evening of great French wine, showing some of the best expressions from each region.
Wines samples tasted included: 2015 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, Pessac-Léognan; 2017 Chassagne Baudines Thomas Morey; 2016 Pommard Rugiens bas De Montille; 2004 Vieux Chateau Certain, Pomerol; 2009 Clos des Lambrays; 1990 Chateau Palmer, Troisieme Cru Classé, Margaux
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Vintage Comparison – 1988, 1989 & 1990
The vintages 1988, 1989 and 1990 are often held up as one of the great trilogies of 20th century Bordeaux. Jane Anson will discuss if they are delivering on the hype with MW and fellow Bordeaux resident Tracey Dobbin. Together they will look at how both Left Bank and Right Bank estates are holding up.
Wines Samples tasted include: 1988 Château Léoville Las Cases, Saint-Julien; 1988 Château Angelus, Saint-Emilion; 1989 Château Cos d’Estournel, St. Estèphe; 1989 Château Pavie Premier Grand Cru Classe A de Saint Emilion; 1990 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé; 1990 Château Trotanoy, Pomerol
67 Pall Mall
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day: The ‘Irish’ Châteaux of Bordeaux
For centuries, Irish ex-pats and their descendants have had a significant influence in Bordeaux and Irish names abound there: Barton, Clarke, Dillon, Johnston, Kirwan, Lawton, Lynch, MacCarthy, Phelan, Quinn and others. The Irish achieved success both as château owners and négociants and the connection is not just historical, being given fresh emphasis when Lochlann and Brenda Quinn from Dublin purchased Château de Fieuzal in 2001.
Join Club Friend, Member and leading Irish wine writer, Raymond Blake for a relaxed introduction to the ‘Irish’ châteaux of Bordeaux. During this session Raymond will lead us through an entertaining and informal wine tasting, rather than a structured masterclass, focusing on the people and the place, as well as the historical context and human stories behind the wines.
This year is one of anniversaries for the Bordeaux ‘Irish’: it is 10 years since the Bartons bought Mauvesin, 20 years since the Quinns bought de Fieuzal and 200 years since the Bartons bought Langoa. What better way to celebrate than with a tasting on the eve of St Patrick’s Day?
Wine Samples tasted included: 2010 Château de Fieuzal Blanc, Pessac-Léognan; 2018 Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis en Médoc; 2005 Château Phélan-Ségur, Saint-Estephe; 2010 Château de Fieuzal Rouge, Pessac-Léognan; 2009 Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien; 2010 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Deep dive into Pomerol
Join Jane Anson to see what makes Pomerol so special.
Enjoy a tasting of 2009 Château La Pointe, Pomerol; 2009 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2015 Château Hosanna, Pomerol; 1998 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Pomerol; 2015 Vieux Château Certan, Pomerol; and 1998 Château L’Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol
67 Pall Mall
67 Pall Mall Wine Series with Terry Kandylis – (Part 2) Bordeaux & California
In 1976, Steven Spurrier’s famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ skyrocketed the fame of Californian wines overnight and certainly made Bordelaise question themselves.
Join Terry as he dives into how the two counties compare, 45 years later.
Wines tasted included: 2015 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé; 2015 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, 2ème Cru Classé; 2015 Château La Conseillante; 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clajeux Vineyard, Arnot-Roberts; 2016 Merlot, Trefethen Family Vineyards; and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Altagracia, Eisele Vineyard
67 Pall Mall
1990: A Tasting of First Growths
The longer lockdown goes on, the more we are going to spoil you with virtual tastings!
This is a rare opportunity to compare all six of the Left Bank First Growths at a moment when they should be open and perfectly ready to drink.
We will look at how they are doing at 30 years of age with the 1990 vintage; Châteaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, Haut-Brion – finishing up with the Premier Cru Supérieur Château d’Yquem.
Talking us through the wines will be Jane Anson, whose first book, back in 2012, was Bordeaux Legends, a history of the 1855 First Growths. She will be sharing her insights into how these six estates came to be celebrated as the greatest estates of the region, and what was happening at each one in the 1990s.
67 Pall Mall
When is your claret ready to drink?
Club members and life-long Bordeaux aficionados, Jane Anson and Richard Bampfield MW, are pleased to present this event which hopes to answer the common question of “When is this claret ready to drink?”.
Featuring wines from well known Bordeaux estates from a range of vintages and appellations, we will focus on their current states of maturity – and on the factors in the glass that determine whether they might or might not benefit from further cellaring.
This will be a perfect opportunity to hear specialists explain what they are looking for from wines at their peak and for you to calibrate your own palate and work out for yourselves whether you prefer claret at the younger or older end of the scale.
67 Pall Mall
Château d’Issan – The Rule of Five Tasting
In 1152, Château d’Issan (or Lamothe Cantenac as it was known at the time) was served at the royal wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II. In the 1400s, the vineyard was known as Teobon, until finally it became named for its 17th century owner, a knight called d’Essenualt, the phonetic contraction of which is “d’Issan”.
In 1945 the Château was bought by the Cruse family, who remain its owners to this day.
Located in the heart of Margaux appellation, Château d’Issan and the team have always been great friends of the Club. It is with great pleasure that we welcome the owner and winemaker, Emmanuel Cruse, the third generation of his family to run the Château, who will run this rare Rule of Five online masterclass featuring five vintages chosen by Emmanuel.
67 Pall Mall
1985: A Tasting of First Growths
The longer lockdown goes on, the more we are going to spoil you with virtual tastings!
This is a rare opportunity to compare all six of the Left Bank First Growths at a moment when they should be open and perfectly ready to drink.
We will look at how they are doing at 35 years of age with the 1985 vintage; Châteaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, Haut-Brion – finishing up with the Premier Cru Supérieur Château d’Yquem.
Talking us through the wines will be Jane Anson, whose first book, back in 2012, was Bordeaux Legends, a history of the 1855 First Growths. She will be sharing her insights into how these six estates came to be celebrated as the greatest estates of the region, and what was happening at each one in the 1980s.
67 Pall Mall
Château Nénin – The Elegance of Pomerol
The Delon family of Château Léoville-Las-Cases bought this historic estate in 1997 from the Despujols, who were the forebears of the Delon’s cousins. This estate has a long history, right back to the 16th century, for producing wines with a great ability to age. Since 1997 the Delons have undertaken major restructuring with new pruning and trellising methods, as well as lowering the yields. The vineyard is south-west facing and stands in one block, with the parcels located on the Pomerol Plateau that are strictly dedicated to the Grand vin of Nénin, and the adjoining plots, with a slightly lower altitude, are producing the Fugue de Nénin. The soils are a mix of deep gravels, clay and sand. The gradual increase of Cabernet Franc within the vineyards has given the wine tautness, distinction and freshness. A Bordeaux masterclass not to be missed.
67 Pall Mall
Blind Bordeaux
Sharpen your blind tasting skills and have fun trying to identify six different appellations in Bordeaux. Jane Anson will choose one archetypal wine from each appellation, in the same classic vintage, and talk you through what are the key characteristics of each of the main Bordeaux AOCs; Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
67 Pall Mall
Burgundy & Bordeaux – 67 Pall Mall Christmas Battle
To celebrate a year of Bordeaux and Burgundy #67athome tastings with Jasper Morris MW and Jane Anson, we thought we would end 2020 with a lineup of some of the best wines from both regions, from iconic and well known and smaller cult choices, with Jasper and Jane introducing their choices.
Jane is kicking things off with two exceptional Bordeaux dry whites, one classic in the shape of Mission Haut-Brion Blanc 2013 alongside a newer creation Cos d’Estournel Blanc 2016. The reds start with two cult wines that show the kind of terroir-driven intuitive winemaking that is often associated with Burgundy rather than Bordeaux – the biodynamic Château le Puy cuvée Barthélemy 2010, followed by the iconic l’Eglise-Clinet from Pomerol in the 2000 vintage. To finish off, two great classics in Léoville las Cases 2001, reputed as being one of their greatest ever vintages, and an unquestionable 20th century wine star the 1996 Mouton Rothschild.
Jasper has chosen a classical Chablis from the outstanding but undersung producer, Samuel Billaud, followed by a mature Meursault from Jean-Marc Roulot: only a ‘village’ wine, but what a vineyard! The red selection starts in the Côte de Beaune – a youthful Savigny from Domaine Bize and a wine that has already found favour during 67 Pall Mall zooms – altogether too good a wine to leave out – the Comte Armand’s Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 2010. Those who like stems in their wines will be excited by Domaine Dujac’s Clos de la Roche from the same vintage, before we finish with one of Burgundy’s great classic wines: Clos St Jacques from Domaine Armand Rousseau. The 1999 vintage should be just about ready!
67 Pall Mall
Domaine Pichard – vintage wines from the heart of the south west of France
Domaine Pichard is a family-owned domaine comprising 25 HA situated in the south west of France, at the junction of the Bearn, Bigorre and Gers departments, producing red wines under the Madiran appellation and white wines under the Pacherenc appellation.
67 Pall Mall
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande –the elegant star of Pauillac
The second growth, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is renowned for its legendary elegance, vibrancy and its ability to age gracefully. Regarded as a “Super-Second” it is without doubt one of the most admired estates in the Medoc today.
Located in the east of the Pauillac appellation, its vineyards lie on deep gravel beds underpinned by clay, marl and limestone, which benefit from excellent drainage.
The vineyards lie in both Pauillac and Saint-Julien, and run down to the Gironde Estuary alongside Château Latour. While Pauillac’s wines are known for their power, Pichon Lalande expresses a more feminine and sensual style. It was bought by the Rouzaud family of Roederer champagne in 2007 and they have invested substantially in both the winemaking facilities and the vineyards.
Nicolas Glumineau, Directeur Général, who joined in 2012 from Château Montrose, will be hosting a vertical of this celebrated estate. He has personally chosen six of Pichon Lalande’s greatest vintages. An unmissable masterclass for any Bordeaux lover.
Wines tasted included: 2014 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac; 2010 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac; 2009 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac; 2005 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac; 2003 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac; 1995 Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac
67 Pall Mall
Pontet-Canet: the best 2010?
Château Pontet-Canet is a fifth growth in Pauillac, and the first biodynamic estate in the Médoc. The 2010 vintage was hailed as one of the greatest they’ve ever made, achieving 100 points from Robert Parker.
Great red bordeaux generally needs at least ten years in bottle before it starts to realize its full potential, so this is a great opportunity to discover a fantastic wine as it reaches that milestone.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Three of the Best of the 1990s
In the run up to Christmas, this tasting will focus on six exceptional wines in three vintages that are tasting great right now, and are ready to open over the festive season. Jane Anson opened the 1990 vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac) and Gruaud-Larose (St Julien), the 1996 of Château Palmer (Margaux) and Cos d’Estournel (St-Estèphe) and the 1998 of Château Trotanoy (Pomerol) and Tertre-Roteboeuf (Saint-Emilion). All legendary wines that showcase what the perfect drinking window means for great Bordeaux.
67 Pall Mall
Château Langoa Barton – Three centuries of Barton Elegance
In 1722 Thomas Barton left Ireland to settle in Bordeaux and found a wine merchant company that still bears the Barton name today. 100 years later his grandson, Hugh Barton, bought the estate now known as Langoa Barton, 20 ha of St Julien vines and an elegant residence which today illustrates the label of the Barton family’s other famous property, Ch Léoville-Barton. The Barton family have lived there ever since and today Langoa Barton is run by Lilian Barton-Sarorius, 9th generation, along with her two children, Melanie and Damien.
Ch Langoa Barton’s vines are situated in the southern part of St Julien on gravelly soils with a clay subsoil and a planting ratio of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. It is an estate renowned for its consistency and elegance producing classical claret with great ageing potential. It also happens to be owned by one of Bordeaux’s admired and beloved families. Join Damien Barton Sartorius to discover this classical jewel of the Medoc.
Wines samples tasted included: 2016 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien; 2012 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien; 2009 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien; 2006 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien; 2005 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien; 2001 Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien
67 Pall Mall
Château Léoville Las Cases – the legend of Saint Julien
Château Léoville Las Cases is one of the Medoc’s oldest estates with the Grand Vin’s current terroir at the heart of the estate since the 17th century. It has belonged to some of France’s most influential noble French families and since the 19th century it has been manged by the same family, today its sole owner is Jean-Hubert Delon.
This historic estate lies on the Léoville plateau, close to the estuary in the commune of Saint Julien, long recognised as one of the greatest terroirs in Bordeaux for producing long lived, complex and elegant wines. The majority of the grapes for the Grand Vin come from the Clos Léoville Las Cases vineyard, a terroir of very great complexity, mainly composed of Quaternary gravel over gravelly sand and gravelly clay subsoils, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents the majority of the blend.
Classified as a second growth in the 1855 vintage, the estate is regarded by many as Saint Julien’s unofficial first growth. An unmissable tasting for any Bordeaux lover to experience three decades of this legendary estate including the famous 1986, which has been described by Jane Anson as “one of the greatest Saint Juliens made in recent decades”.
Wines sampled included: Château Léoville Las Cases 2016; Château Léoville Las Cases 2009; Château Léoville Las Cases 2004; Château Léoville Las Cases 2000; Château Léoville Las Cases 1989; Château Léoville Las Cases 1986
67 Pall Mall
‘Phantom’ | Discover Château Climens’ pioneering cask finished gin with Salcombe Distilling Co.
Journey from the South of France to South Devon to celebrate the launch of ‘Phantom’: a limited-edition cask finished gin inspired by the unique characteristics of Sauternes wines and born out of a collaboration with Salcombe Distilling Company and Château Climens.
Former MD of Decanter and Co-Creator of Decanter World Wine Awards, Sarah Kemp will host a one-hour virtual masterclass alongside Co-Founder of Salcombe Distilling Company, Angus Lugsdin and Owner of Château Climens, Bérénice Lurton.
The experience will include an introduction to the history of Salcombe Gin and Château Climens and provide unique insight into the pioneering creation of ‘Phantom’ before embarking on a tasting with Q&A.
Taste the newly launched limited-edition Voyager Series ‘Phantom’ both neat and with tonic & garnish, and Salcombe Distilling Company’s original gin, ‘Start Point’, plus two distinctly different vintages from Château Climens, to highlight the different aroma and flavour profiles from one vintage to the next.
‘Phantom’ is best served neat over ice or with a premium tonic water, plenty of ice and a twist of flamed orange peel.
Tasted: 2016 Château Climens, Barsac, Bordeaux; 2015 Château Climens, Barsac, Bordeaux; NV Salcombe Gin Start Point; NV Salcombe Gin Phantom
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: St Emilion 1st Growths & those that deserve an upgrade!
As we approach the final year before the 2022 reclassification of St Emilion, celebrate the four current Premier Grand Cru Classé in this rare tasting. Cheval Blanc and Ausone have been classified since the first ranking in 1955, with Angélus and Pavie joining in 2012. Explore each ones distinctive personality by tasting them in the 1998 vintage, along with two estates that Jane Anson believes deserve upgrades next time, Beausejour Duffau Lagrosse and Figeac.
Wines Samples tasted included: 1998 Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion; 1998 Château Ausone, Saint-Émilion; 1998 Château Angelus, Saint-Émilion; 1998 Château Pavie, Saint-Émilion; 1998 Château Beausejour Duffau Lagrosse, Saint-Émilion; 1998 Château Figeac, Saint-Émilion
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Deep dive into Pauillac
The most celebrated of Bordeaux’s appellations, where land values reach a conservative €3million per hectare and its best wines routinely age for decades.
What makes Pauillac so special?
Jane Anson checks in on how the 1996 vintage is looking today, with 5 Pauillacs and one neighbouring estate that shares many characteristics of great Pauillac.
Wines sampled included: 1996 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 1996 Château Latour, Pauillac; 1996 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac; 1996 Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac; 1996 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac; 1996 Château Sociando-Mallet, Pauillac
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux Vertical Tasting: Château Palmer
There’s an old Médocaine adage that says the best wines there are made within sight of the river. This is certainly the case at this top-drawer Margaux property. But so too is innovation and an eye to constantly advancing quality.
Château Palmer must be one of the most significant biodynamic properties in the whole of Bordeaux, and is also ranked amongst the most historic. Add to this its 3rd growth status but, in reality, its super second quality, and this property has all the hallmarks of a wine icon.
The tasting will comprise a vertical of seminal vintages that relate the story of Château Palmer’s triumphs and challenges over the last 30 years.
Wines samples tasted included: 2010 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux; 2005 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux; 2003 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux (En Magnum); 2000 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux; 1995 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux; 1990 Château Palmer, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Finding beauty in “off” vintages
How do you find great wines in Bordeaux even when years are more challenging? And what exactly does an off vintage mean? Jane Anson discusses how to find the highlights in the three vintages of 1999, 2007 and 2001.
Wines samples tasted included: 1999 Vieux Château Certain, Pomerol; 1999 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien; 2007 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac; 2007 Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien; 2001 Château Palmer, Margaux; 2001 Château Angelus, Saint-Emilion
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux: Deep dive into Pessac-Léognan
The youngest of Bordeaux’s big appellations and the most dynamic, with an influx of exacting owners setting the pace. This is where you find classified whites as well as reds, and wines that are increasingly challenging the most established names for both quality and investment potential.
Jane Anson picks out six of the best, tasting the 2000 vintage. Wine Samples tasted included: 2000 Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan; 2000 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan; 2000 Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan; 2000 Château les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan; 2000 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan; 2000 Château Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan.
L’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/ The Bordeaux Wine School
The Hallmark of Bordeaux 100% Terroir
Getting to grips with the idea of terroir is fundamental to understanding this large region and its wines. In the webinar, Jane Anson will explore the questions: “what is terroir?” and “what is its impact on wine styles?” We’ll dive deep into Bordeaux’s location at the confluence of two major rivers, its dozens of local climates and soils, and the human factors that are shaping the wines across Bordeaux today.
67 Pall Mall
Château Phélan Ségur – Star of St Estèphe
Saint Estèphe is one of the most exciting places in the Médoc right now and Château Phélan Ségur is one of its stars. Jane Anson writes in her highly acclaimed book Inside Bordeaux « Ch Phélan Ségur is a definite star in the appellation , a former Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, and in my mind would make it into a new version of the 1855 classification if one ever came round ». The estate is 120 hectares, including 50ha of forests and meadows and 70 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are well-situated near the Gironde estuary, lying on well-drained gravel soils, bordered by those of Château Montrose and Château Calon-Ségur. Renown, like all great estates, for its consistency, Phélan Ségur has always had a strong following amongst serious wine lovers. The estate was bought in 2018 by Philippe Van de Vyvere from the Gardinier Brothers of Taillevent fame with Veronique Dausse staying in place along with cellar master Fabrice Bacquey and vineyard manager Luc Peyronnet. The grand vin is normally a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A tasting no Bordeaux lover will want to miss.
Wines tasted included: Château Phélan Ségur 2016; Château Phélan Ségur 2014; Château Phélan Ségur 2010; Château Phélan Ségur 2005; Château Phélan Ségur 2003; Château Phélan Ségur 1990
67 Pall Mall
Blind Bordeaux
Sharpen your blind tasting skills and have fun trying to identify six different appellations in Bordeaux. Jane Anson will choose one archetypal wine from each appellation, in the same classic vintage, and talk you through what are the key characteristics of each of the main Bordeaux AOCs; St Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, Margaux, St Emilion and Pomerol.
L’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/ The Bordeaux Wine School
How Sweet Bordeaux is Breaking Out of the Box
Join Mary Gorman-McAdams, MW; Caroline Perromat, Owner of Château de Cérons; Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens; and Jeff Harding, Beverage Director of Waverly Inn NYC as they discuss Bordeaux sweet wine.
Bordeaux’s signature golden wines have a long history thanks to a unique microclimate, diverse soils, and meticulous craftsmanship. This webinar will share perspectives from winegrowers and professionals making their mark with these exciting, yet often overlooked wines. We’ll explore the rich range and versatility of botrytis wines – can we truly get them off the dessert list?
Click on the image to watch the replay.
67 Pall Mall
Château Rieussec – Precision and elegance in Sauternes
Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1984, Château Rieussec is located in the heart of the Sauternes vineyards. “Sauternes is such a wonderful wine that we wanted to have our own one and also the land is so exceptional” Baron Eric de Rothschild stated.
Jane Anson writes in her book Inside Bordeaux “Rieussec is easily one of the most balanced, succulent and fresh of all Sauternes”. It is certainly loved by the winemaking team at Chateau Lafite, both Charles Chevallier and Eric Kohler spent years working at Château Rieussec before moving on to oversee the Domaines de Rothschild (Lafite) estates.
In the 18th century, Château Rieussec belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon and in the 1855 classification; the quality of Rieussec’s terroir was ranked as a first growth Sauternes and Barsac. The vineyard extends to the border of Fargues and Sauternes, the vines cover 93 ha of gravelly soil layered with alluvial deposits. The vines consist predominantly of the classic Sauternes grape, Sémillon (90%), supplemented by Sauvignon (7%) and Muscadelle (3%). Traditional Sauternes techniques are used and the grapes are harvested in several selective pickings as the grapes ripen and botrytis cinerea (“noble rot”) develops. The harvests are spread over six to eight weeks, from September to November. A tasting no Sauternes lover would want to miss.
Join Jean-Guillaume Prats, President and CEO of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) as he guides us through the history and nuances of these iconic wines.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2016 Château Rieussec, Sauternes; 2011 Château Rieussec, Sauternes; 2007 Château Rieussec, Sauternes; 2003 Château Rieussec, Sauternes; 2000 Château Rieussec, Sauternes; 1997 Château Rieussec, Sauternes.
L’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/ The Bordeaux Wine School
Meet the Next Generation
They’re young, passionate and ambitious – a new generation of Bordeaux with a desire to lead. Discover how the new faces of Bordeaux are tackling climate change, applying new techniques in the vineyard and cellar, and working together more than ever before to push their vision for the future and safeguard their iconic terroir for future generations.
Meet Bordeaux's next generation: Axel Marchal, University of Bordeaux; Daisy Sichel, Château Angludet; Isabelle Chety, Château Mercier; Jean-Antoine Nony, Château Grand Mayne.
Click on the image below to view the replay.
67 Pall Mall
The perfume of wine
The perfume of wine – join Jane Anson in conversation with the legendary Alexandre Schmitt, who spent 20 years in the perfume industry before becoming one of the most sought after consultants in wine. Together they will be discussing how best to describe aromatics and textures found in the wines of three iconic estates – Lafite Rothschild, La Conseillante and Opus One in the 2005 and (2007/2011) vintages. How do aromatics change between Bordeaux and Napa, and Left Bank and Right Bank?
Wine samples tasted included: 2005 Opus One Napa Valley; 2007 Opus One Napa Valley; 2005 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 2007 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 2005 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol; 2007 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol.
67 Pall Mall
The time footprint at Duhart-Milon, the only 4th GCC of Pauillac
Château Duhart-Milon lies just next to Château Lafite Rothschild and was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1962. ‘It would have been nonsense not to acquire such a great neighbouring vineyard’ declared Baron Eric de Rothschild.
Legend has it that “Sieur Duhart” was a privateer under Louis XV who retired to Pauillac, and it was his house in Pauillac’s port that inspired the label for Duhart Milon’s wines. From the early 18th century, Milon’s wines provided the Lord of Lafite with additional income, and became one of Château Lafite’s “second wines”, suggesting that the quality of the terroir was already recognized. The 1855 classification elevated Duhart Milon’s status by making it the only fourth growth wine in the commune of Pauillac. The 76 hectare vineyard in the Pauillac appellation is divided between Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) and Merlot (33%). It lies to the west of Château Lafite Rothschild, on the hillsides of Milon, which extend from Lafite’s Carruades plateau. An extensive replanting programme was undertaken when the property was bought and the vines are now all mature. The renewed quality in the wines has attracted critical acclaim from international wine critics and wine lovers alike.
Join Jean-Guillaume Prats, President and CEO of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) as he guides us through the history and nuances of these iconic wines.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2016 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac; 2014 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac; 2011 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac; 2009 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac; 2005 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac; 2000 Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac.
67 Pall Mall
Deep dive into St Estèphe – 2010 Vintage
Deep dive into St Estèphe – join Jane Anson to discover why this appellation stands out in character and personality from Pauillac and St Julien, despite all three sitting side by side along the Garonne river in the Médoc. We’ll be tasting the excellent 2010 vintage for the AOC’s five 1855 classified estates, Cos d’Estournel, Montrose, Calon Ségur, Lafon Rochet, Cos Labory, and one that deserves to stand alongside them, Phelan Segur.
Wines tasted included: 2010 Château Phélan-Ségur, St Estèphe; 2010 Château Calon-Ségur, St Estèphe; 2010 Château Cos d`Estournel, St Estèphe; 2010 Château Lafon-Rochet, St Estèphe; 2010 Château Montrose, St Estèphe; 2010 Château Cos Labory, St Estèphe.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux – Right Bank: Pétrus, Le Pin & Lafleur
An extremely rare and exciting opportunity to taste the three undisputed powerhouses of Pomerol side by side; Lafleur, Petrus and Le Pin.
Join Bordeaux expert Jane Anson to discover how they are performing at 20 years of age by comparing the vintages of 1998 and 1999 and uncover what makes these wines so exceptional and how they have captured the imagination of wine lovers worldwide.
One of the most highly anticipated events and one not to be missed!
Wine Samples tasted included: 1998 Château Lafleur, Pomerol; 1999 Château Lafleur, Pomerol; 1998 Château Le Pin, Pomerol; 1999 Château Le Pin, Pomerol; 1998 Pétrus, Pomerol; 1999 Pétrus, Pomerol.
67 Pall Mall
Léoville: Understanding the three Léoville estates of St-Julien
The three Léoville estates – Las Cases, Poyferré and Barton – are 1855 2nd Growths with shared but now separate histories. In this tasting, Jane Anson traces how they evolved from one powerful property from the 1740s through the breakup after the French Revolution into today’s three iconic châteaux, each with its own personality and winemaking philosophy. We will compare the 1989 and 2009 vintages of each, two exceptional years for these great properties, and look at how the three develop their individual characters over ageing.
Wine samples tasted included: 1989 Château Léoville Poyferré, St-Julien; 2009 Château Léoville Poyferré, St-Julien; 1989 Léoville-Las Cases, St-Julien; 2009 Léoville-Las Cases, St-Julien; 1989 Léoville Barton, St-Julien; 2009 Léoville Barton, St-Julien.
67 Pall Mall
Top Bordeaux 2nd Wines
Bordeaux’s 2nd wines have produced some of the biggest returns on investment of any of the region’s bottles over the past decade. Jane Anson looks at examples from three First Growths and three Second Growths to see how they are produced, what to expect and whether they get anywhere close to the quality of their more famous siblings. This tasting will showcase Carruades de Lafite, Petit Mouton, Pavillon Rouge, Croix de Beaucaillou, Pagodes de Cos and Dame de Montrose in the 2005 vintage.
Wines to tasted included: 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild, Petit Mouton; 2005 Château Lafite Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite; 2005 Château Margaux, Pavillon Rouge; 2005 Château Cos d’Estournel, Les Pagodes de Cos d’Estournel; 2005 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Croix de Beaucaillou; 2005 Château Montrose, La Dame de Montrose.
67 Pall Mall
Nature versus Nurture in Bordeaux Wines
What difference do stems, oak barrels, hang time and fermentation actually make to the wine in our glass? Can a change of owner totally change the taste of a classified wine? Jane Anson looks at three of Bordeaux’s top estates – Troplong Mondot, Clerc Milon and Carmes Haut-Brion – to answer that question.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2001 Château Troplong Mondot, St. Emilion; 2001 Château les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan; 2001 Château Clerc Milon, Pauillac; 2017 Château Troplong Mondot, St. Emilion; 2017 Château les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan; 2017 Château Troplong Mondot, St. Emilion
67 Pall Mall
The Great Dry Whites of Bordeaux
Up until the early 1950s, white wine (sweet and dry) constituted about 50% of total Bordeaux production. Today that figure is nearer 10%, with approximately 2.5% being sweet wine. However, dry white Bordeaux has arguably never been better made, more sought after by adoring consumers or, in the case of some producers, valued as highly as their reds. In this vinous jaunt through the vineyards of the region, we’ll taste delicious dry white wines from: a hitherto less well known region, an iconic sweet wine maker, two first growth producers, and a brace of top drawer Graves vineyards, where white has long been esteemed shoulder-to-shoulder with the red wines. Dry white Bordeaux can mix it with the best white wines from around the world and can outlast most of them. Tune in to find out why those in the know are such enthusiastic followers of the marque. Led by Demetri Walters MW.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2018 Château de Monfaucon Nobody’s Perfect “The Blend”, Entre-Deux-Mers; 2002 ‘Y’ de Château d’Yquem
2014 Château Mouton Rothschild Aile d’Argent Blanc; 2016 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux; 2008 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classe; 2008 Château Laville Haut Brion Blanc Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan.
67 Pall Mall
The Development of Older Bordeaux
Bordeaux is one of the key wine regions worldwide that regularly makes wines that can age for decades, deepening and adding complexity in the glass. This tasting explores the key markers of older Bordeaux wines, why they appear and what they mean. With a range of iconic names from Left and Right Bank across the exceptional vintages of 1990 and 1989, so at 30 years of age.
Wines tasted include: 1990 Château Trotanoy, Pomerol; 1989 Château Pavie, Saint-Emillion; 1989 Château L’Évangile, Pomerol; 1990 Château Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien; 1990 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac; 1989 Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien.
67 Pall Mall
Finding the best value in Bordeaux
There are hundreds of producers spread across the Bordeaux region, but we usually only discuss the top châteaux. How do you find good quality Bordeaux that is affordable for everyday drinking? Join Richard Hemming MW to find out.
67 Pall Mall
Cognac Grosperrin: A passion for heritage
Grosperrin Cognac’s roots may remain firmly in the 18th-century brokerage past, but today it offers a ground-breaking range of products not found anywhere else in Cognac.This independent family Cognac House run by Guilhem Grosperrin shares a unique and quite exceptional history with the Cognac region. In the Grosperrin Cognac cellars, each batch – through the immediacy of each vintage, carefully selected and aged – has become the living testimony of a terroir and a family history.
Each cognac selected is the result of the perfect interplay of soil, climate and the men and women and their traditions. One of Grosperrin’s ultimate ambitions is to achieve the perfect expression of this terroir.
The tasting took place in the semi-darkness of the cellars, and some of the following cognacs will be tasted straight from the casks with owner and cellar master, Guilhem Grosperrin. After an introduction to the Cognac “crus” and distillation, we will enjoy:
– Vintage 1983 Fins Bois: A great Cognac, from a “small vintage” to start this tasting.
– Vintage 1973 Petite Champagne: originated from a family of notaries who have lived in cognac for generations. A Cognac for enlightened amateur, looking for the ultimate cognac.
– Single Batch N°67 Grande Champagne (1967): The oldest stocks were the subject of a family dispute, and it took a lot of patience for the son to manage to sell them and for us to become the owner. A very beautiful Cognac, as demanding as it is accessible.
– Single Batch N°45 Fins Bois (1945): This exceptional batch is one of the very few in our collection to come from a large well-known Cognac House, which for some unknown reason relieved itself of a few casks of extremely old Cognac in a top-secret transaction. The finish is extremely long and rather dense. A superb Cognac that will delight enthusiasts of this cru.
– Single Batch N°35-41 Grande Champagne (1935-1941): A Cognac originated from the village of Bonneuil, from an estate with a remarkable history. We’ll talk about WWII and French resistance… A powerful, vibrant mouthfeel with an endless, extremely expressive, almost electric, finish. For passionate collectors.
– Single Batch N°25 Grande Champagne (1925): a Cognac with mysterious origins. “Halleluja!”
67 Pall Mall
White Bordeaux
Bordeaux whites are among the least-explored and yet most exciting wines of the region – often made in tiny quantities, barrel-aged like the reds and equally capable of subtle, nuanced expression and of long ageing in bottle. This masterclass will be an exceptional opportunity to uncover the secrets behind these rare and sought-after wines.
Wines tasted include: 2016 Château Mouton Rothschild, Aile d’Argent; 2016 Château Margaux, Pavillon Blanc; 2016 Cos d’Estournel Blanc; 2016 Château Guiraud, Le G de Guiraud; 2016 Château Lafleur, Les Champs Libres; 2016 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc.
67 Pall Mall
The ‘Irish’ Châteauxs of Bordeaux
For centuries, Irish ex-pats and their descendants have had a significant influence in Bordeaux and Irish names abound there: Barton, Clarke, Dillon, Johnston, Kirwan, Lawton, Lynch, MacCarthy, Phelan, Quinn and others. The Irish achieved success both as château owners and négociants and the connection is not just historical, being given fresh emphasis when Lochlann and Brenda Quinn purchased Château de Fieuzal in 2001.
Join Club friend, Member and leading Irish wine writer, Raymond Blake for a relaxed introduction to the ‘Irish’ châteaux of Bordeaux.
Last year Raymond organised a dinner in Dublin for 180 guests from across the globe, featuring wines from three of the best known châteaux: de Fieuzal, Léoville Barton and Lynch-Bages. This dinner is written up in the current issue of The World of Fine Wine and the wines for this webinar will be chosen from these châteaux. Wider reference will also be made to the other ‘Irish’ châteaux and négociants.
During this session Raymond led an entertaining and informal wine tasting, focused on the people and the place, as well as the historical context and human stories behind the wines.
For more information on Raymond, please click here: http://www.blakeonwine.com/pages/about.html
Wines Samples tasted included : 2013 Château de Fieuzal Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, France; 2015 Château Lynch-Bages Blanc de Lynch-Bages, Bordeaux, France;
2012 Château de Fieuzal, Pessac-Léognan, France; 2008 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, France; 2005 Château Langoa-Barton, Saint-Julien, France; 2005 Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien, France.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux vs Australia
There is nothing that the Australians like more than an element of competition and, from a wine perspective, they are never afraid to put themselves up against the wines of Bordeaux. However, with a run of successful vintages behind it in recent years, Bordeaux can feel well equipped to take up the challenge.During this event, Richard Bampfield will explore the flavour profiles of Bordeaux’s left bank and of three of Australia’s classic red wine-producing regions. The wines will be tasted in pairs, one from each country, and at three different price points between £20 and £50.
In keeping with the lightly competitive spirit of the evening, viewers had the chance to vote for their favourite wine in each pairing.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2016 Château Brown, Pessac-Léognan; 2015 Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc; 2014 Château Brane-Cantenac, Margaux; 2016 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley; 2016 Katnook Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon; 2014 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River.
67 Pall Mall
Château La Conseillante – the great classic of Pomerol
Located in the heart of Pomerol, on an outstanding terroir, Château La Conseillante is one of the most emblematic properties in the Bordeaux winegrowing area. Stephen Brook describes it in his book “The Complete Bordeaux” as “Quintessential Pomerol, offering vinous hedonism”.
The name “La Conseillante” first appeared in the middle of the 18th century. It was given to the property by Catherine Conseillan, an influential Libournais businesswoman, who bought the estate in the 1730s. In 1871 the Nicolas family purchased the estate, and today it is run by the fifth generation of the family, Bertrand Nicolas and Jean-Valmy Nicolas, who are joint managing directors. Marielle Cazaux is the Director and we are delighted to announce that she will conduct this tasting.
Its vineyard, located in the heart of the finest Pomerol terroir, situated alongside Petrus, and Cheval Blanc, has remained unchanged since its creation. The vineyard is in predominantly clay soil, and is made up of 80% Merlot, the remaining 20% is Cabernet Franc, planted in gravel soils, which brings structure and freshness to the blend.
La Conseillante has a style like no other. Each vintage shows its characteristic bright, deep ruby hue. The nose reveals complex aromas of violets, liquorice and truffles mingling with red berry fruit. La Conseillante has acquired modern, high-performing facilities, a special feature of which is a new vat cellar, which enables individual, tailor-made vinifications of the 18 vineyard plots that cover the estate’s 12 hectares (30 acres).
Join Estate Manager, Marielle Cazaux, as she guides us through one of Pomerol’s greatest estates – an unmissable tasting for any Bordeaux lover.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2015 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France; 2009 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France; 2006 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France; 2005 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France; 2001 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France; 1989 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, France.
67 Pall Mall
Celebrating Bastille Day – First Growths Left Bank tasting from the 2000 vintage
To celebrate Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, we are preparing an extremely special tasting of the best wines of the region. All six of the Left Bank First Growths, at 20 years of age with the exceptional 2000 vintage; Châteaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, Haut-Brion and Yquem.
An extremely rare opportunity to try all six in a horizontal tasting, with Bordeaux expert Jane Anson (and author of Bordeaux Legends, a history of the 1855 First Growths) guiding you through their differences, and how these six estates came to be celebrated as the greatest estates of the region.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2000 Château Haut-Brion, Pauillac, Bordeaux; 2000 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux; 2000 Château Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux; 2000 Château Lafite, Pauillac, Bordeaux; 2000 Château Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux; 2000 Château d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux.
67 Pall Mall
Pomerol
Reprising their double act of a couple of weeks ago, Ronan Rayburn M.S. of 67 Pall Mall and Fiona Morrison M.W. of a well-known estate in Pomerol, will share their enthusiasm for some of the top wines on the plateau of Pomerol which is the most expensive vineyard land in Bordeaux and for many wine enthusiasts, the best.
This frank, dynamic exchange, coupled with a tasting of some gorgeous Pomerol wines, is guaranteed to make you understand Pomerol better with insights and anecdotes galore!
Wine Samples tasted include: 2005 Château l’Évangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux; 2005 Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, Bordeaux; 2005 Vieux Château Certain, Pomerol, Bordeaux; 2005 Château Trotanoy, Pomerol, Bordeaux; 2005 Château l’Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux; 2005 Château La Violette, Pomerol, Bordeaux.
67 Pall Mall
Biodynamic Bordeaux with Jane Anson
The past few years have seen a step-change in the way that Bordeaux is making its wine, with many of the top estates switching to organic and biodynamic viticulture.
This tasting will look at the impact of this change, and taste through some of its best examples; Fonplegade, Pontet Canet, Puy Clos Arnaud, Smith Haut Lafitte, Fonroque and Vray Croix de Gay.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2015 Château Fonplégade, Saint-Émilion; 2015 Château Fonroque, Saint-Emilion; 2015 Château Durfort-Vivens, Margaux; 2015 Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac; 2015 Château Vray Croix De Gay, Pomerol; 2015 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan.
67 Pall Mall
Château Lafite and Carruades de Lafite – Legendary Excellence
Château Lafite and its second wine, Carruades de Lafite, need little introduction for they have captivated wine lovers throughout history. The existence of Lafite as a medieval fief dates back to the 14th century; at the beginning of the 18th century Lafite’s wine was already being sold in London, where it was a favourite of the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. In France Maréchal de Richelieu introduced the wine to the Court of Versailles where it soon became known as the “King’s wine”. He wrote “I have discovered the wine of Château Lafite to be a delicious, generous cordial, comparable to the ambrosia of the Gods of Olympus”.
The estate was acquired by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868 and the Rothschild family have owned it ever since. Today Baron Eric de Rothshild’s daughter, Saskia de Rothshild, represents the sixth generation to run the estate alongside CEO Jean-Guillaume Prats, who will conduct this tasting.
The 110 hectare vineyard consists of three main areas: the slopes around the Château, the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west and a 4.5 hectare plot in the neighbouring commune of Saint Estèphe. The vines are planted in well-drained and well-exposed soil made up of fine, deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The average age of the vines is 45 years for the Grand Vin; the oldest plot, “La Gravière”, was planted in 1886.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2016 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 2010 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac; 2016 Château Lafite Rothschild, ‘Carruades de Lafite’ , Pauillac; 2011 Château Lafite Rothschild, ‘Carruades de Lafite’ , Pauillac; 2009 Château Lafite Rothschild, ‘Carruades de Lafite’ , Pauillac.
67 Pall Mall
The Terroirs of St Emilion with Jane Anson
St Emilion is one of the biggest appellations in Bordeaux, producing many of its most iconic wines, and yet it’s hard to think of another appellation with so many different styles, from thrillingly taut to voluptuous powerhouses.
Join Jane Anson as she looks at why this is true, and what to expect from wines produced on the three distinct soil types of sand, gravel and limestone.
Wine Samples to be tasted include: 2009 Château de Fonbel, St-Emilion Grand Cru; 2010 Château Quinault L’Enclos Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé; 2009 Château Canon, St-Emilion, Grand Cru; 2009 Château Troplong-Mondot, St-Emilion Grand Cru Classé; 2010 Château Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru; 2009 Château Cheval Blanc Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé ‘A’.
67 Pall Mall
Château Beychevelle – the “Versailles of Bordeaux”
Known as the “Versailles of Bordeaux,” Chateau Beychevelle is located in the St. Julien appellation and any visitor who drives up the D2 cannot help be impressed by its magnificent architecture and beauty. Today, it also boasts a brand new vat room with floor to ceiling glass windows that allows passing motorists to see the inner workings of its winemaking.
An 1855 fourth growth, its name originated from the term “Baisse-Voile” (lower the sails) as legend has it that at the beginning of the 17th century the then-owner the first Duc d’Epernon, Admiral of France, demanded sails to be lowered when ships passed in front of the estate in order to show their respect to him.
Château Beychevelle has 250 hectares of land, about 90 of which are planted with vines; 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The rest consists of grassland where Limousine cows graze, and of pine forests, poplar, ash and walnut trees. The vines have an average age of 30 years and are closely planted, with densities of 8,300 to 10,000 vines per hectare. Sustainable agriculture is practiced throughout the vineyard and since 2008 a large plot of the land has been farmed organically.
Château Beychevelle’s new winery has been custom-made in 2016 to suit the vineyard, with every block of vines having a place in a plot-by-plot vinification process, that enables each terroir to express its full complexity and depth.
Join Philippe Blanc, the estate’s director and who has just celebrated his 25th year with Château Beychevelle, as he takes us through the history and the wines of this much-loved property.
Wine Samples tasted include: 2016 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien; 2015 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien; 2010 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien; 2009 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien; 2005 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien; 1999 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien.
67 Pall Mall
Celebrating the 4th July – Bordeaux Estates with American Connections
To celebrate Independence Day weekend, 67 Pall Mall is taking a look at Bordeaux wines with American links – Château Carbonnieux, that has a tree planted by Thomas Jefferson in its grounds, Château Canon, one of Jefferson’s favourite wines, and three properties with American owners today; Haut-Brion, Fonplégade and Haut-Bailly. We will also have a taste of Château Giscours, an estate that was bought by two ship builders from Boston after the French Revolution.
Retrace Jefferson’s steps through the region, America’s historic ties with Bordeaux and celebrate the wines American families are making in the region today.
Wine Samples tasted : 2005 Château Carbonnieux Rouge, Pessac Léognan; 2005 Château Canon, Saint-Emilion; 2005 Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan;
2005 Château Giscours, Margaux; 2005 Château la Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan; Château Fonplégade, Saint-Emilion vintage to be confirmed.
67 Pall Mall
Evolution of the blend and impact of the Cabernet Sauvignon at Château Lagrange
Château Lagrange’s winegrowing vocation dates back to the 17th century. The estate was classified a third growth in 1855 thanks to the efforts and the vision of Count Dûchatel, who built a network of drains and extended the estate to 280 hectares, including 120 of vines. As Minister of the Interior during the reign of King Louis- Philippe and a member of the Academy of Fine Arts, he spread Lagrange’s reputation far and wide.
In 1983, the Suntory group, acquired the estate and invested heavily in a spectacular renovation. Priority was given to the vineyard, followed by refurbishing and modernising the vat room and cellars. The efforts undertaken in the 1980s continue to the present day: work in the vineyard is done with great attention to detail and each plot is treated individually. The grapes are then fermented separately in order to fine tune and obtain the best possible final blend. The resulting wine is powerful, elegant, and the epitome of a great Saint-Julien.
Join General Manager and winemaker, Matthieu Bordes, as he tells the story of Château Lagrange’s philosophy and their winemaking evolution. Matthieu will also discuss the challenges that have arisen from global warming and how they have addressed this impact.
Wine Samples tasted included: 2010 Château Lagrange, Les Fiefs de Lagrange, Saint-Julien; 2016 Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien; 2009 Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien; 2005 Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien; 1996 Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien; 1989 Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien.
A replay will be made available shortly.
67 Pall Mall
Château Malartic-Lagravière – the dynamic Classified growth of Graves, with Co-owner Jean-Jacques Bonnie and Sarah Kemp
Since acquiring Château Malartic-Lagravière in 1997, the Bonnie family has continued to work tirelessly, with passion and commitment, to perfect the estate’s wines and carry them to the highest level.
The estate used to belong the family of Comte Hippolyte Maurès de Malartic, was known under the name of Domaine de la Gravière until 1850, when it changed name to take on its current name of Château Malartic-Lagravière. The Bonnies and their team are doing everything to enable this premium terroir to express itself in all its magnificence: intra-plot management of the vineyard, High Environmental Value certification and the whole winemaking process is gravity-fed. They develop complex, balanced, elegant wines, so tailored they can be considered ‘haute-couture’.
Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of the only six classified growths both for its red and white. Its wines are well known all over the world amongst the very best wines in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
67 Pall Mall
The extraordinary terroir of L’Evangile in the heart of Pomerol
We could never resist to an extraordinary, unique terroir. Very different from the Médoc but absolutely outstanding” declared Baron Eric de Rothschild when Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) bought Château L’Evangile in 1990.
The estate is located to the south-east of the Pomerol plateau, bordered to the north by the vines of Château Pétrus and, to the south, is only separated from Cheval Blanc in Saint Émilion by a secondary road. A rare geological phenomenon has resulted in a long narrow area of gravel being brought to the surface, it is on this exceptional soil that the vineyard is planted.
The 22 hectare vineyard in the Pomerol appellation lies on sandy clay soil with pure gravel and a subsoil that contains iron residues. The grape varieties used in the blend are Merlot (80%) bringing fruit, body and volume, and giving the wine its inimitable smoothness, and “Bouchet”, the local name for Cabernet Franc, (20%) bringing finesse and structure. Jane Anson in her recent book Inside Bordeaux called it “an insider’s Pomerol…full of distinction, packed with fruit, stunning with age.
Join Jean-Guillaume Prats, President and CEO of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) as he guides us through the history and nuances of these iconic wines.
Wine Samples tasted include: 2000 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2006 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2009 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2010 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2012 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol; 2016 Château L’Evangile, Pomerol.
67 Pall Mall
Château Talbot – Jewel of St-Julien
Château Talbot is a 4th classified growth, located in the heart of the Saint Julien appellation. It’s one of the biggest estates on the left bank, with 110 ha of vines in one block. The grand vin represents approximately half of the production. There is a second label, under the name of Connétable Talbot, and a white Bordeaux, called Caillou Blanc de Chateau Talbot.
The famous name of the winery has been given by Lord John Talbot, an English military commander, who stayed at the estate in the middle of the 15th Century on his way to the Battle of Castillon, where he was defeated.
Château Talbot now belongs to the Bignon-Cordier family. The 4th and 5th generations of the family are in charge with the estate, which they bought more than a century ago in 1918.
67 Pall Mall
Jane Anson: Inside Bordeaux, 2010 Vintage
2010 was a great year for the winemaker in Bordeaux, and it is with great pleasure that we welcome Jane Anson who has chosen 6 brilliant wines to show, as the vintage begins to open up.
With dry conditions producing small, thick-skinned grapes, the 2010 vintage gave the fruit outstanding concentration. While it might seem as though this vintage would produce a high alcohol, overly tannic expression, the cool nights of August and September ensured wines with great balance, freshness and vibrance.
Jane has chosen one wine from each of the major left and right back AOCs to represent 2010 Bordeaux.
Wine Samples to be tasted include: 2010 Château Figeac Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion, 2010 Château Beausejour Duffau Lagarosse, St-Emilion, 2010 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, 2010 Château Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac, 2010 Château Calon Segur, Saint-Estèphe, 2010 Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe.
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Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Florence and Daniel Cathiard fell in love with Château Smith Haut Lafitte in 1990 and acquired it with the firm intention of perpetuating the wine’s tradition of excellence. After three years spent renovating the estate, the Cathiards came to live there.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte plants vines propagated from their vineyards thanks to its very own vine nursery on Ile de Lalande. This island location and protected ecosystem enables them to maintain the vine’s genetic diversity as well as the complexity of their wines. The château overlooks the vines from atop a hill (or “la fitte” in local dialect) composed of river stones and semi-precious pebbles deposited by the Garonne millions of years ago.
Their ethos is to do all that they can to enhance microbial life by adding their own organic compost and to protect the soil by planting hedges and trees. In addition, they plough the white wine vineyard’s fragile slopes with a horse and maintain wooded areas and hedges not only to embellish the countryside, but also to enhance the harmony with nature in the belief that “winegrowers are landscape architects”.
We are delighted to welcome Ludovic Fradin, Commercial Director of the Smith Haut Lafitte property. Ludovic (who works very closely with Florence Cathiard), will guide us through the history of their haute couture wines and the passion behind their terroir.
67 Pall Mall
Chateau Montrose with Hervé Berland
A Grand Cru Classé of the Médoc in 1855, Château Montrose enjoys an exceptional terroir in Saint-Estèphe, historically in a single block, facing the Gironde estuary.
Since it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006, the estate has seen an extensive renovation programme combined with a global environmental approach aimed at making it a model of wine production technique. Since 2019, 100% of the 95-hectare vineyard has been managed according to the principles of responsible viticulture.
Under the direction of Hervé Berland, the property has 60 employees in the vineyard and cellar, all sharing the same philosophy in their work: respect for the terroir and the quest for excellence.
This is reflected in meticulous working of the land, high-precision intra-plot harvesting, tailor-made blends, and the production of three wines, each with its own expression of the terroir: Château Montrose – the “Grand Vin”, La Dame de Montrose – the second selection, then the Tertio de Montrose.
Wine Samples tasted included : 2000 Château Montrose, 2003 Château Montrose, 2005 Château Montrose, 2009 Château Montrose, 2010 Château Montrose,
and 2016 Château Montrose.
67 Pall Mall
Château Pichon Baron with Christian Seely
Located south of Pauillac denomination, Château Pichon Baron, classified as a 2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855. The estate was founded in the late 17th Century when Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, an influential wine merchant and steward of the prestigious Latour and Margaux estates, bought plots of vines in Pauillac to create Enclos Rauzan.
These vines were part of his daughter Thérèse’s dowry when she married Baron Jacques Pichon de Longueville in 1694, the year in which the Pichon Longueville estate was founded. It remained in the same family for generations. In 1850 the property was divided in two. Baron Raoul Pichon de Longueville’s section became the Pichon Baron estate. The second section, belonging to his three sisters, became Pichon Comtesse. Baron Raoul was so proud of his prestigious property that in 1851 he commissioned the imposing château inspired by Renaissance architecture that we know today.
The Pichon Baron estate comprises 73 hectares of high quality gravelly soil. Low in nutrients and with little excess water, this unique soil sparingly nourishes the vines, whose average age is 35 years.
Now part of the AXA Millésimes viticultural group, join Managing Director, Christian Seely as he take us through a presentation of the Chateau Pichon Baron estate, its terroirs, and the infamous wines that we be enjoying during this tasting.
Wine Samples tasted included : 2015 Château Pichon Baron, 2014 Château Pichon Baron, 2010 Château Pichon Baron, 2009 Château Pichon Baron, 2005 Château Pichon Baron, and 2004 Château Pichon Baron.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux Horizontal – 2000 with Jane Anson
Twenty years on from the turn-of-the-century vintage, how are its best-loved wines doing from both Left and Right Banks? Jane Anson has picked iconic estates from six top appellations to see how the solar exuberance and rich tannins of 2000 is delivering today; together we’ll taste through Châteaux Issan, Lynch Bages, Léoville Barton, Cos d’Estournel, La Conseillante and Clos Fourtet.
Wine samples to be tasted include: 2000 Château Lynch‑Bages, 2000 Château Léoville Barton, 2000 Château Cos d’Estournel, 2000 Château La Conseillante, 2000 Château Clos Fourtet, and 2000 Château d’Issan
67 Pall Mall
Garagiste to Terroir-iste – The pioneering single cru wines of Jonathan Maltus OBE
Jonathan started in Bordeaux in 1994 with a small vineyard in Saint Emilion, which he has added to over the years, so that he now has 50 hectares under vines. He was early and significant in the garagiste movement with Le Dôme, a remarkable expression of Cabernet Franc that Robert Parker frequently rates in the top 90s; its crowning glory being to surpass the 99RP it was awarded in 2009 with the perfect 100RP in 2010.
One of The Right Bank’s original “garagiste” pioneers in the 1990s, Jonathan is the only Brit to be awarded 100 points in Bordeaux and receive an OBE for winemaking. Renowned for practicing a uniquely Burgundian approach, Jonathan vinifies small, individual plots on the elevated slopes of Saint Émilion that better express the differences in terroir.
Only 300-2500 cases from each are made every year, which contrasts with Bordeaux’ Left Bank – where production regularly reaches 20,000+ cases. He also makes similarly boutique wines in Napa with Cheval Blanc’s former consultant Gilles Pauquet. Lord Norman Foster has designed Jonathan’s new winery which is currently under construction in the heart of Saint Emilion.
This is a fascinating opportunity to taste maturing vintages across Jonathan’s portfolio, including his last single vineyard project – Pontet Labrie, of which a maximum of 300 cases are made annually.
Wine Samples tasted include: 2017 Le Nardian, 2008 Vieux Château Mazerat, 2011 Le Dôme, 2017 Château Pontet Labrie, 2013 World’s End Wavelength, and
2015 Château Teyssier.
Click on the photo below to view the recorded zoom call.
67 Pall Mall
When life gives you minerality and Botrytis, make Château Coutet with Aline Baly
One of the oldest estates in the Sauternes region, Chateau Coutet has an exceptional terroir and a rich architectural heritage. An English fortress in the 13th Century, this citadel with its square tower, a design typical of the era’s military constructions, became a wine producing estate in 1643.
Château Coutet belonged to the de Lur Saluces family for over a century and currently is owned and managed by Philippe and Dominique Baly, with the technical and commercial collaboration of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., the vineyard’s exclusive distributor.
The name Coutet comes from the Gascon word for knife (“couteau”), in reference to the wine’s fresh, lively acidity and unique vivacity. In its youth, Château Coutet displays aromas of white flowers, citrus, honey, and vanilla. Age enhances the botrytis character to give the wines a deep, delicate bouquet with hints of spice and candied fruit.
Aline Baly will host this evenings webinar and explore the magic of botrytis and Château Coutet.
67 Pall Mall
Château Palmer with Thomas Duroux & Jane Anson
Viewers are invited to head back over the last three decades of Château Palmer with six of its most acclaimed vintages back to 1990. Director Thomas Duroux will talk us through the impact introducing biodynamic farming has had on this 1855 classified estate, in conversation with Jane Anson.
Wine samples that were tasted included: 1990 Château Palmer, 1995 Château Palmer, 2000 Château Palmer, 2005 Château Palmer, 2010 Château Palmer, and 2015 Château Palmer.
67 Pall Mall
Château de Fargues with Philippe de Lur Saluces
Built in 1306, Château de Fargues is located atop a gravelly hilltop overlooking the Garonne valley. The estate’s fifteen-hectare vineyard has been gradually and patiently replanted since 1928 with the sole aim of making outstanding Sauternes.
Benefiting from a unique microclimate, the vines are, on average, 35 years of age and consist of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Since 1472, the estate has been managed by Lur Saluces family, one of the oldest and most influential in the Bordeaux region. Today, Alexandre de Lur Saluces and his son Philippe perpetuate the family tradition of excellence.
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Hermitage Cognac with David Baker
This is a brilliant chance for Members to explore the Cognac region and taste some of the greatest cognacs of the last century, with expert David Baker. For over 35 years, David has been one of the leading authorities on single estate, vintage cognac.
Thanks to their relationships with the distillers, cellar masters and families who have perfected these great cognacs over the centuries, Hermitage are able to offer exceptionally rare and sought after cognac. These are not commercial blends; they are individual and unique expressions that have slept in casks for generations. David Baker has chosen six of his favorite bottles for this unmissable tasting.
Cognac samples tasted included: Hermitage Marie Louise 60-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac, Hermitage 1923 Grande Champagne Cognac, Hermitage 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac, Hermitage 1960 Fins Bois Cognac, Hermitage 45-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac, Hermitage 1995 Grande Champagne Cognac.
67 Pall Mall
Château Giscours with Alexander Van Beek
This year is the 25th anniversary of the purchase of the estate by the late Dutch entrepreneur Eric Albada-Jelgersma, which is today run by his three children. Situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation, this third growth estate has undergone massive change under the direction of General Manager, Alexander Van Beek, a fellow dutchman, who arrived at the property in 1995 at the young age of 24.
Since the purchase considerable investment has been made. Following an extensive terroir study there has been considerable replanting with a change from 60% Merlot in 1995 to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon today. Alexander will conduct a tasting spanning the 25 years of the property. A date not to be missed by any Bordeaux lover.
Wine Samples tasted included: 1995 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux, 2000 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux, 2005 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux, 2010 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux, 2015 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux, and 2016 Château Giscours, Cru Classé Margaux.
67 Pall Mall
Château Biac with Yasmina Asseily
Chateau Biac: a “coup de coeur” for Tony Asseily and his Lebanese family which changed their lives. In 2006, they set upon restoring Biac to its former 19 century glory , revealing its unique potential to amateurs of hidden gems. Perched as an eagle on the highest point of the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Biac’s diversity of soils spreading in an amphitheatre like shape, plunging into the Garonne river , gives it a Burgundian touch. This webinar will cover the story of how a Lebanese family living in London moved to Bordeaux and took on the challenge of bringing Chateau Biac back to life, restoring both the vineyard and the winery.
Discover how over 14 years, with the help of oenologists Patrick Leon (former technical director of Mouton Rothschild for 15 years) and, since his untimely passing in 2018, his son Bertrand Leon for the reds, and by Christine Sourdes (consultant to Chateau Guiraud) for the sweet and dry white production, the family has managed to produce wines which surprise even the most hardened wine amateurs and sommeliers around the world.
Wines tasted included: 2012 B de Biac, 2013 B de Biac, 2011 Château Biac, 2012 Château Biac, 2014 Château Biac, 2012 Secret de Château Biac 50 cl.
67 Pall Mall
Château Haut-Bailly, an exceptional Terroir with Véronique Sanders and Sarah Kemp
Located on the highest hillock in the heart of the Graves Appellation, Château Haut-Bailly has been making wine for almost 1000 years. The property is composed of a 30-hectare single block vineyard, including a famous 4ha plot of century-old vines, with six historical grape varieties of Bordeaux (dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are co-planted among Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère).
The wine benefits greatly from a unique topography, an excellent sun exposure coupled with a high-favourable microclimate, as well as a mosaic of fine soils enhanced by the gravel that gives the “Graves” its name. The terroir accounts for the wine’s unique style: a subtle balance between finesse and concentration, smoothness and structure, soft tannins and pronounced aromatics – the epitome of purity and elegance.
Purchased in 1998 by the American Robert Wilmers, the property is now owned by the second generation – led by Christopher Wilmers, Chairman of the Board – and managed by director Véronique Sanders.
Through 6 different vintages, learn more about the great Terroir of Château Haut-Bailly and discover the elegance and the consistency of this Cru Exceptionnel. Wines to be tasted include: 2012 Château Haut-Bailly, 2010 Château Haut-Bailly, 2009 Château Haut-Bailly, 2005 Château Haut-Bailly, 1998 Château Haut-Bailly, and 1989 Château Haut-Bailly.
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
67 Pall Mall
Appreciating the differences between Bordeaux vintages through the red wines of Château Brown with Richard Bampfield MW and Jean-Christophe Mau
One might think that climate change has resulted in more uniformity of vintage expression in Bordeaux but nothing could be further from the truth – in fact, the extremes of climate now increasingly experienced mean that there is as much vintage variation as ever. This event will feature 6 vintages of Château Brown, an estate in Pessac-Léognan which is perfect for this exercise because the viticulture and winemaking strategy have remained constant over the last 10 years: consequently the wines are respected for their ability to reflect vintage expression.Wines to be tasted will be those Bordeaux vintages currently most easily found on the market.
67 Pall Mall
Gavin Quinney & Ronan Sayburn MS 20 years on- The partners in wine & Château Bauduc
Celebrating two decades since Ronan Sayburn made Château Bauduc the house wine at Gordon Ramsay’s three Michelin star restaurant, taste Gavin’s 20th vintage at the helm of his Bordeaux estate. Gavin and Angela Quinney moved lock, stock and two small children from London to Bordeaux when they bought Château Bauduc after a chance visit in 1999. Since then they have doubled the number of vines, the financial exposure and the child count. Unusually, they sell most of their production of affordable Bordeaux – white, red, rosé and crémant – direct to private buyers in the UK.
The following Château Bauduc wines were tasted during this virtual tasting : 2019 Château Bauduc, Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Château Bauduc, Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Château Bauduc, Les Trois Hectares blanc, 2019 Château Bauduc, Rosé, 2017 Château Bauduc, Bordeaux Supérieur, and 2017 Château Bauduc, Les Trois Hectares rouge.
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
Château Bauduc
67 Pall Mall
The expression of a decade at Château d’Issan : 2009-2019 with Jane Anson & Emmanuel Cruse
Château d’Issan is situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation – a truly outstanding location that it has occupied for nearly 1,000 years – which explains the exceptional quality of its wines, and its long history as a fine wine producer. The first mention of Issan wines sold to England have recently been found dating right back to 1242.
Their perfumed Cabernet-dominated Clarets are among the best of the appellation, surpassing their 3rd growth ranking from 1855. Owner Emmanuel Cruse is president of the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux as well as Grand Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux worldwide, giving him a fascinating perspective on his wines, and the place of Bordeaux in the global wine market
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
Château d’Issan
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Château Léoville Barton with Damien Barton-Sartorius
Château Léoville Barton is the smallest portion of the great Léoville estate and has been owned by the Barton family since 1826. There is no château and the wine is made at Langoa Barton.
Léoville Barton’s 48 hectares of vineyards are located in the east of the St-Julien wine appellation and lie on gravelly-clay soils. They are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon 72%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 8%. The wine is matured in oak barriques (50% new) for 18 months.
Léoville Barton is tannic and austere in youth but with time develops the classic cedary character that is the hallmark of St. Julien, along with intensely pure blackcurrant and cassis fruit notes. Léoville Barton’s wines are made for extended cellaring and tend to show at their best with 10-15 years of bottle ageing. We are delighted to welcome Damien Barton-Sartorius to host this evenings webinar and explore the Château Léoville Estate along with him.
The following vintages of Château Léoville Barton were tasted during this virtual tasting : 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001, and 1999.
Wine.com
Live Virtual Wine Tasting with Saskia de Rothschild, Chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild
Explore the world of wine with Saskia de Rothschild, Chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Saskia will take you from France to South America, through their French Chardonnay, Argentine Malbec, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and of course a Bordeaux Blend from Pomerol.
67 Pall Mall
Exploring the flavors of red Bordeaux as it ages with Richard Bampfield MW
Exploring the flavors of red Bordeaux as it ages, using a selection of clarets of different ages and different appellations from the club’s stocks. It would be different to a vertical tasting because it would cover the ground in a totally different way, focusing on how tasting technique helps us better appreciate red Bordeaux at different stages of development.
The following wines were tasted: 1996 Château La Lagune, 2016 Château La Chenade, 2009 Château Langoa Barton, 2000 Château Sociando-Mallet, 2004 Château Haut-Bailly, and 2005 Château Batailley en Magnum.
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
67 Pall Mall
The most famous Bordeaux village of Margaux with Jane Anson
67 Pall Mall has teamed up with Jane Anson, Decanter correspondent and award-winning writer, to dive into Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation.
The soils in Margaux are the lightest and most gravelly of the Médoc, with some also containing a high percentage of sand. Vineyards located in Cantenac and Margaux make up the core of the appellation with the best vineyard sites being located on well-drained slopes, whose lighter soils give Margaux its deft touch and silky perfumes.
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
67 Pall Mall
Bordeaux with Jane Anson - Saint-Julien
67 Pall Mall has teamed up with Jane Anson, Decanter correspondent and award-winning writer, to dive into Bordeaux’s Saint-Julien appellation.
Around one third of the size of Pauillac to its north, the St-Julien appellation has soils that are 75% gravel, making some of the most Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines of the entire Bordeaux region, with bags of character and finesse, and a legendary ability to age gracefully.
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
The World’s Largest Virtual Wine Tasting
During these difficult times, Coravin’s mission is to unite people across the globe through a shared passion for wine. That's why they are on a quest to host The World’s Largest Virtual Wine Tasting on Facebook Live! For every participant, Coravin will donate $20 to the James Beard Foundation, an organization bringing swift economic relief to independent food and beverage businesses in need. Coravin Founder and Inventor, Greg Lambrecht and special guest hosts took participants on a virtual wine adventure during this event with a fundraising goal o $50,000.
Bordeaux’s very own Véronique Sanders, CEO and Managing Director of Château Haut-Bailly, was one of the special guest hosts. You can learn more about Véronique Sanders in a recent interview posted on our journal.
67 Pall Mall
The Battle of the Banks - Virtual Tasting with Jane Anson
This was a fantastic opportunity to compare the power of Pauillac against the exuberance of Pomerol, left Bank versus right Bank, Cabernet versus Merlot and gravels versus clay, all from the comfort of your own home. There are several important differences between the left bank and the right bank, with variances in terroir, taste and ageing. However, are there similarities that we may not have been made aware of? Jane Anson virtually guided Members through the vines of these stunning wine-making areas, and we encourage you to open a bottle with Jane, choosing either the left or right...or both...
Click the photo below in order to view the replay of this Zoom virtual tasting.
The Real Business of Wine
Bordeaux - Beyond En Primeur with Jane Anson
On the day that the Bordeaux En Primeur week should have started, Decanter correspondent and award-winning writer, Jane Anson discusses with chateau owners, merchants and scientists who have been analyzing the region using satellite imagery, what the 2019 vintage is really like, the implications of delaying its Spring release, and more generally how the region is responding to our new reality.
Wine for Normal People
Women of Bordeaux with Caroline Perromat of Château Cerons and Sylvie Courselle of Château Thieuley
In this episode of ‘Wine for Normal People’, Elizabeth Schneider, the host of the show, speaks with Sylvie Coursell of Château Thieuley and Caroline Perromat of the historic Graves estate of Château de Cerons to discuss and celebrate women in wine.
Château Thieuley, located in the Entre-deux-Mers, has been in Sylvie’s family since it was acquired in 1950. Sylvie runs the estate with her sister making lovely red, white, and sparkling wines. Château de Cerons has been around since the 18th century, has groundings in the aristocracy of Bordeaux, and is well known for beautiful reds, whites, and especially botrytis affected sweet wines which rival those of Barsac and Sauternes.
Château Cerons
Wine Enthusiast Podcast
Côtes de Bordeaux
A lot of wine drinkers are familiar with Bordeaux, but what about Côtes de Bordeaux? This hilly region is home to five appellations, with slopes that are ideal for growing grapes. Our European Editor Roger Voss had a chance to sit down and talk with Françoise Lannoye, the president of the Côtes de Bordeaux, about what makes this region so unique and how consumers can find exceptional bottles for less than $30.