Each year, wine lovers in B.C. look forward to the annual release of Bordeaux wines in the fall. This year, BC Liquor Stores (or BCLS) are releasing the 2020 vintage of Bordeaux wines.
Generally, Bordeaux red wines are made from a blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes while Bordeaux white wines are made from a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Bordeaux also produces a sweet wine from the region of Sauternes which is created when, through climatic conditions, “noble rot” affects grapes to a point where the grapes dehydrate, leaving the remaining juice with a high sugar content. The variety of the types of wine produced in Bordeaux and the fact that many Bordeaux wines can age and will evolve over time is why Bordeaux is arguably the best-known wine region in the world.
Each year, the climate and weather vary in Bordeaux, leading to yearly differences in the quality of the wine produced. 2020 was a very good vintage in Bordeaux with a mild winter and hot summer. There was more rain than usual in the spring but this was counterbalanced with a drier-than-normal summer. There were hailstorms in the early summer leading to smaller than normal crops (10 to 25 per cent less grapes). A smaller crop means that there is less wine produced which in turn increases the price of the wines. So generally, because of the lower production combined with good vintage conditions, prices of Bordeaux wines this year are high.
BCLS is releasing the 2020 vintage in two stages: In the first stage (between Sept. 7 to 9) you can pre-order some of the more sought-after wines online on a first come first serve basis. Then on September 23, BCLS will be releasing the remaining wines that are more affordable or that BCLS has obtained more quantities to sell to consumers. I will be publishing another column on the morning of September 23 but for now, here are a few wines that I would recommend pre-ordering if you have the means to do so:
In some years, certain wineries will produce a special label or bottle to commemorate an event. This year, Chateau Cos D’Estournel ($450) is celebrating Michel Reybier’s 20th year of ownership of the winery by releasing a special black bottle with a gold etched design. Similarly, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou ($480) is commemorating its 300th vintage with a special label. Special bottles are unique and generally are very well received by collectors and wine drinkers alike.
For more affordable choices, try two very consistent 5th growth wines from the Pauillac region: Chateau d’Armailhac ($120) and Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste ($95). For more of my recommendations on what to pre-order, see my video here
If you are still shocked by these prices, then check out my column on September 23 when some of the more affordable Bordeaux wines will be released.
If you can’t wait for the release of the 2020 vintage wines, BCLS has plenty of back vintages of Bordeaux wines still available. The best value for the price, in my opinion, is the Chateau Saint Pierre 2018. This wine comes from the St. Julien on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. It is a 4th growth wine and has a 95 point Wine Spectator rating. The BCLS has essentially aged this wine for you for two years already so it should start to drink nicely. It is a blend of 77-per-cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 23-per-cent Merlot. Until next time, happy drinking!
Tony Kwan is a lawyer by day, food and wine lover by night, Kwan is an epicurean who writes about wine, food and enjoying all that life has to offer.
