An Afternoon of Bordeaux Elegance: A Grand Cru Tasting Experience

There are few pleasures more refined than tasting Bordeaux’s finest wines in a curated lineup spanning both banks, multiple vintages, and a spectrum of styles. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting an intimate evening of Grand Cru Bordeaux—a tasting that offered both intellectual intrigue and sensory delight.

Set in a cellar adorned with rows of sleeping bottles, we embarked on a journey through decades of winemaking mastery. Here’s a closer look at the lineup and the impressions that emerged as corks were pulled and glasses swirled.

The Lineup

1. Cos d’Estournel Blanc 2021 (Saint-Estèphe)

   A youthful expression from a venerable estate, this vintage showcased a bright, lifted profile—fresh cassis, graphite, and hints of exotic spice. While still tightly wound, it promises elegance and complexity with age.

2. Château Canon 2014 (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé B)

   A beautifully balanced wine with floral aromatics, ripe red fruits, and a seamless texture. The 2014 vintage offers early approachability without sacrificing depth. A real crowd-pleaser from the Right Bank.

3. Château L’Évangile 2013 (Pomerol)

   A surprise standout despite the challenging vintage. Soft, silky tannins wrapped around earthy plum, truffle, and dried herb notes. A fine example of how top producers craft excellence even in off years.

4. Château Calon-Ségur 2019 (Saint-Estèphe, 3rd Growth)

   Powerful yet refined, this bottle showed incredible structure and depth. Dark berries, tobacco, and crushed stones framed a long, resonant finish. One of the most complete wines of the night—modern Saint-Estèphe at its best.

5. Château Montrose 2013 (Saint-Estèphe, 2nd Growth)

   A cooler vintage expression that leans toward elegance over power. Notes of red currant, cedar, graphite, and a hint of savory herbs. Refined structure with firm acidity and moderate length—classic Montrose restraint.

6. Château Montrose 1995 (Saint-Estèphe, 2nd Growth)

   A fascinating comparison to the Grand Vin, this second label held its own admirably. Mature tertiary notes of cigar box, forest floor, and dried fruit offered a graceful evolution. A testament to how even second wines can age gracefully.

7. Château Léoville Las Cases 2002 (Saint-Julien, 2nd Growth)

   A classic claret, understated and poised. Cedar, pencil shavings, and cassis glided over a firm structure. A vintage that rewards patience, and it’s clearly in a lovely drinking window now.

This tasting was a vivid reminder of Bordeaux’s depth and diversity—from the muscular structure of Saint-Estèphe to the silken charm of Pomerol. The age range of the bottles, from 2021 to 1995, allowed us to explore how these wines evolve and develop their unique personalities over time.

The real joy came not just from the wines themselves, but from the stories shared and the common love for fine wine that brought us all together. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your Bordeaux journey, tastings like this serve as a beautiful reminder of why we fall in love with wine in the first place.