Bordeaux 2020

The 2023 Lune d’Argent from the Bernard family of Domaine de Chevalier is an aromatic and full-flavoured reflection of some of Bordeaux’s finest terroirs. Sourced from 35 year old vines that neighbour the vineyards of Châteaux d’Yquem and Guiraud, this is always a lot of wine for your money. Gravel soils in Sauternes and Bommes provide power and freshness, while alluvial soils in Barsac lend the wine a unique minerality. Textured, zingy, and utterly delicious, the 2023 Lune d’Argent is an absolute bargain.

Pierre Lurton and the team at Château Marjosse place aromatic purity and the expression of fruit at the heart of their winemaking. The team eschews the use of new oak, instead preferring used 400 litre barrels that allow the aromatic, floral, cherry-fruited nature of the wine to take centre stage. In 2023, the quality of the Cabernets was excellent and forms a higher part of the blend (40%) than in previous vintages. This is always friendly, delicious, and one of Bordeaux’s great values.

Tasted April 2024. Montaiguillon in 2023 is classic Bordeaux at its best, and remains one of our easiest recommendations. There’s lots of fresh bramble fruit and spiced plum, with graphite and subtle truffle as it opens in the glass. Balanced and proportioned, it has lots of smooth tannin and a refreshing, appetising finish.