Pick My Next Bottle – 2001 Bordeaux

The March Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2001 Bordeaux from some of my favorite producers. The purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this weekend and a Bottle Note will be published shortly thereafter.

The 2001 vintage in Bordeaux was widely swept aside following on the heels of the highly regarded millennium vintage. Weather in 2001 was variable. Cool months followed by hot months. Wet months followed by dry months. 23 years later several things things stand out for me. First and foremost, 2001 was one of last truly affordable vintages. Secondly, the wines are better than was expected, particularly on the Right Bank.

The Contenders:

• 2001 Leoville Barton – The 2001 Léoville Barton is still a few years from full maturity. Unwinding in the decanter and glass with aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and vanilla pod, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and muscular, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and ripe but firm tannins that still assert themselves on the finish. (2/2022) 93 points from the Wine Advocate.
• 2001 Ducru Beaucaillou – Now at 20 years of age, the 2001 Ducru-Beaucaillou reveals liquorice, menthol, leather, tobacco and black berry aromas with a smoky hint. The attack is lively and although the palate has a moderately dense structure to it, the tannins are still a bit juicy at this stage. There is a hint of both animal and dark berries on the long, airy finish. (5/2021) 95 points from the Decanter.
• 2001 Cos d’Estournel – The 2001 Château Cos D’Estournel is fully mature, with a complex, sweet nose of darker currants, leafy tobacco, damp earth, and truffle that shows more floral and spicy nuances with time in the glass. These all carry to a medium-bodied, elegant Saint- Estèphe with fine tannins and terrific balance. This classy, elegant wine is best enjoyed over the coming decade. (5/2023) 93 points from Jeb Dunnuck.

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Thanks for voting! I’d love to see a comment below on why you picked one bottle over another. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions for the April installment of Pick My Next Bottle.