The Cru Bourgeois classification lists some of the Chateau from the Médoc that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Classified Growths. The first Cru Bourgeois list was drawn up by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce in 1932, selecting 444 estates for the classification. A substantial revision of the classification in 2003 reduced the number of Chateau listed to 247. This list is now revisited every year and currently stands at 251.
The Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc did an online tasting earlier this week. I was fortunate to participate. All the wines below were provided as samples.
2012 Chateau Fonbadet Pauillac – Crimson in color. 13% ABV. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon. Powerful nose of scorched earth, red fruits and graphite. Medium body and rustic on the palate. Flavors of currants, cassis and plums. Coarse tannins on a medium length finish. Drink over the next 4-6 years. $38 at retail. My rating: 87 points.
2012 Chateau Bellevue De Tayac Margaux – Dark red in color. 13% ABV. 70% Merlot. Super nose of red fruits, cocoa and graphite. Plush and fruit forward on the palate with medium acidity. Flavors of cherries, plums, earth and bacon fat. The finish is long with soft, caressing tannins. Drink over the next 2-4 years. $35 at retail. My rating: 89 points.
2012 Chateau La Haye Saint Estephe – Purple in color. 13.5% ABV. 50% Merlot. Savory nose of red fruits, leather and pipe tobacco. Rich and plush with nice acidity. Tart cherries, currants and minerals on the palate. Supple tannins on a medium length finish. Easy to drink. Best over the next 2-4 years. $20 at retail. My rating: 88 points.
2012 Chateau La Cardonne Medoc – Ruby red in color. 13% ABV. 50% Merlot. Succulent nose of red fruits, leather and tobacco. Medium body with a hint of richess. Cherries, currants and minerals on the palate. Coarse tannins on a lengthy finish. Drink over the next 3-5 years. Not yet released. My rating: 88 points.
2012 Chateau Cap Leon Veyrin Listrac-Medoc – Purple in color. 13.5% ABV. 60% Merlot. Super nose of red fruits, iron and plums. Medium to full body with nice mouth feel. Licorice, cherries and spice on the palate. Graceful tannins on a medium length finish. Drink over the next 3-5 years. $30 at retail. My rating: 89 points.
Bordeaux is more often than not associated with the Classified Growths and in years past has drawn criticism for exorbitant prices. What flies under the radar is that some of the very best wine values in the world also come from Bordeaux. The wines above are available at retail right now. The super 14’s will be coming to market in the next year or two. Exciting times for an exciting region.
What are your go to Cru Bourgeois?
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I found 2010 Chateau Bibian in a local store recently for $12.25 a bottle. I think it had to be a pricing error, but didn’t matter. I bought their entire stock.
Love Bibian lately, especially at that price. Also really been enjoying 2011 Chateau Bel Air. I have one 2010 in reserve as well.