Simply put, we love Bordeaux wines. The real deal from France. The new-world style in North America. Regardless, an impressive Bordeaux blend is high on our list of wines that please our palates.

So when we had the opportunity to sample two bottles from Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, we said, “Oui, merci.” Naturellement.

Crus Bourgeois du Médoc

After a rigorous annual quality selection, Crus Bourgeois du Médoc wines carry a quality assurance sticker and QR code to guarantee their providence. Their price points range from $25-$40, which makes Cru Bourgeois, from the best vineyards of the Médoc, highly accessible.

In 2005, we visited Haut-Médoc, including two of its six communities, Margaux and Pauillac. We can’t wait to go back. Meanwhile, this tasting was a real treat.

2016 Château Fonbadet Pauillac (MSRP $39)
This wine is still very young, but wow does it have potential. Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) is blended with Merlot (30%) to offer a pretty nose of cassis and blackberry followed by intense red and dark fruit flavors, with hints of minerality. This beautiful, balanced wine is elegant, structured, powerful and delicious. But this is a wine made for aging. Once you bring it out of the cellar, Château Fonbadet Pauillac recommends pairing it with all types of roasted, braised and grilled meat dishes, including veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game and chicken. Or you can try the blend with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses and pasta.

2014 Château Malescasse Haut-Médoc (MSRP $23)
Château Malescasse is located at the highest point in the Médoc, with a history going back to 1824. The 2014 vintage of Bordeaux is a blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 54% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Balanced and complex, this is an elegant, rich and silky wine. Aromatics of blackberry and raspberry lead into a mirror of fruit flavors and a long finish. The Château recommends this wine is paired with grilled beef or leg of lamb. Or sip on it while nibbling some old Gouda cheese. With decanting, this blend is approachable now, but you can also age it for at least ten years.

Summary

We are always on the look out for standout Bordeaux wines with a decent price point. We received these two examples of classic Médoc as samples, but we would purchase them in the future. Très bon.

À votre santé! Cheers!
Margot and Dave