Cru bourgeois 2014 - Decanter Panel Tasting - part II

An Indian summer saved this vintage which, favouring the Left Bank, means many of the 278 château included in this year’s selection of cru bourgeois offer real value, says Jane Anson.

Two Outstandings for cru bourgeois in an underrated vintage like 2014? Yes, said our experts, who felt that in such a comprehensive line-up of 203 wines they wanted the best examples to stand out.

The best examples are ‘interesting, drinkable wines for consumers who will find value and lots of pleasure’, said James Lawther MW.

This week, find 10 cru bourgeois 2014s recommended by Decanter experts Jane Anson, Andrew Jefford and James Lawther MW. 10 of them are available to buy online in China.

Wines

Château Reverdi, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Reverdi, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Reverdi, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

Notably soft refined tannins here for Listrac, supporting a chocolate caramel palate reminiscent of stroopwafels! Crowd-pleasing for sure.

Château Peyredon Lagravette, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Peyredon Lagravette, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Peyredon Lagravette, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

The firm tannins are cradling some pretty fruits here and there is a sense of cohesion. An enjoyable old school Médoc.

Château Lestage Simon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Lestage Simon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Lestage Simon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

Cassis and blueberry purée tumble out of the glass, with a sprinkle of coal dust and some typical Médoc tannins making an appearance at the end.

Château du Moulin Rouge, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château du Moulin Rouge, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château du Moulin Rouge, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

Lively and curranty, this is typical of the vintage style. It is cool-toned and full of the acidic energy of youth and a seam of liquorice.

Château de Tourteyron, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château de Tourteyron, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château de Tourteyron, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

Fairly controlled on the attack, this suggests good clean extraction and a subtle fruit delivery. There is a pleasant freshness that runs through the palate here.

Château de Bensse, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château de Bensse, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château de Bensse, Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

This is rich and smooth, the alcohol is perhaps a touch full but the fruit carries it along waves of vanilla and lands on a firm finish.

Château d'Aurilhac, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château d'Aurilhac, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château d'Aurilhac, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

Cut from a generous cloth this is chunky with grilled dark fruit and a toasty oak overlay. Clearly young still, it might take a few years to soften.

Château Cambon La Pelouse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Cambon La Pelouse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Cambon La Pelouse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

There is personality and freshness here, perhaps with some overly bitter coffee grounds and tea caddy scents. A little raisined, but food would spruce it up.

Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

89

Recommended

There is a jaunty fruit character here of blueberry and bramble, underpinned by chocolate and some savoury cigar warmth.

Château Saransot-Dupré, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014 Château Saransot-Dupré, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

Château Saransot-Dupré, Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2014

90

Highly recommended

Big and blowsy in style, this has heaps of blackberry jelly, one that is flexing the muscles of its appellation, showing that Listrac can be taken seriously. A good undercurrent of spice speaks well of both the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.