The end of September signaled the official release of the latest wines from Bordeaux. This year the 2016 vintage of white and red Bordeaux went on sale on Sept. 28 in BC Liquor stores.
As with the 2015 vintage, 2016 had excellent growing conditions but it had the extra advantage of having a long growing season. The result is wines with power, concentration, depth of flavour as well as finesse and drinkability
These iconic wines from France went on sale almost three weeks ago so don’t expect to find the all of the release on the shelves in Richmond. Chateau Petrus, Pomerol ($3500) is completely sold out throughout B.C.. Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, St. Julien ($525) is only available at Vancouver’s Cambie and 41st store. Nevertheless, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac ($1500) is still available at Ironwood and Richmond Brighouse. Who can afford these prices?
But don’t cry in your beer over this. There still is a very good selection of the more affordable and delicious Bordeaux in Richmond stores. For example, BCLDB’s Barbara Philip, MW gave the Chateau Roc Meynard 2016 Bordeaux Superieur ($25) an 89 point score, declaring it “another incredible value!”
Philip describes the Roc Meynard’s nose as “lovely with a mixture of red and black fruits as well as a dose of sweet herbs.” She recommends that the medium bodied red with soft tannins and juicy acidity is meant for enjoying over the next year with grilled meats and savoury cheeses.
For the same price ($25), you can taste the 2016 Chateau Jouanin from the Cotes de Castillon produced in the eastern edge of Bordeaux. Wines from this sub-appellation are Merlot dominated blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc playing supporting roles. The wines are well-structured and approachable at an early age.
Philips gave the Jouanin a 90 point rating praising its ripeness, dark fruit and balance. “The excellent density of fruit for the price will keep you warm this winter or reward short-term (3-4 years) cellaring.” For vegetarians, she recommends serving it with spiced lentils.
A third affordable entry-level Bordeaux that received a 90 point score from Philip is the Chateau Saint-Bernard ($25). “Flowers and purple plums are prominent on the nose along with other ripe dark fruits. The tannins are grippy, especially on the finish.” She recommends cellaring this youthful red for another year to let the tannins soften. Enjoy with Lamb Chops au Poivre, with black peppercorns, coriander, fennel, and mustard seeds.
There are also more expensive Bordeaux at all stores. My three choices are available at Ironwood and Richmond Brighouse BC Liquor Stores. Go to http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product-catalogue for descriptions of all the 2016 Bordeaux still available. The website also tells you the number of bottles available and their store location.
