The cooler temperatures of Fall are upon us and that means it’s Wine Weather! And if you haven’t already heard, Bordeaux is the way to go. Take a look at our top 20 Bordeaux selections, all under $20, to expand your wine horizons and keep your wallet full.
Château Ampélia, Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2015
Owned and operated by François Despagne, of the famed Ch. Grand-Corbin-Despagne. The wines of Château Ampélia offer the freshness and mineral character that come from the limestone soils of Castillon in the Côtes de Bordeaux, where these wines thrive. They are even pleasant to drink young and can be very attractive for consumers who don’t like to wait for their bottles to age. $18.89
Château Barateau, Hâut-Medoc 2010
The vineyard, planted on a good chalky-clay south-facing hilltop, is on the road to Saint-Julien. Planted with equal almost equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (around 48% each), with a small handful of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A stellar wine, from what will surely be a historical vintage. $16.99
Château Croix Mouton, Bordeaux Supérieur 2015
A steal of a wine from Jean-Philippe Janoueix, of La Croix St-Georges, Château La Confession, and others. Almost completely Merlot driven, don’t let the Bordeaux Supérieur designation fool you. This wine is exceeds its class! $12.29
Château de Laurets, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion 2012
Acquired by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild in 2003, and then followed by renovations to modernize the winemaking facility. With 40 hectares in the lesserknown appellation of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, this 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is showing wonderfully. $18.99
Château Grand Tertre, Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 14/15
Located in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux, just a few kilometers from Saint-Émilion. At 100% Merlot, this is a beautifully easy wine to drink. As the owner, Hélène Rollet describes, the wine that friends bring over when they show up unannounced. $13.99
Château Hâut Vigneau, Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2015
Owned by Eric Perrin, one of the Perrins of Château Carbonnieux is an absolutely beautiful sub-$20 Bordeaux from a family that knows their grape juice. This property is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot and typically 15-18 months in oak. $19.94
Château La Tour de By, Médoc 2015
A family owned property of around 94 hectares. This Médoc property is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. This wine is aged 12 months in oak. $18.99
Château Laclaverie, Franc Côtes de Bordeaux 2014
Renovated by George Thienpont in the ‘70s, and taken over by Nicolas Thienpont in the ‘80s, who’s family owns Château Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan. An absolute steal coming out of Franc Côtes de Bordeaux. $13.99
Château Lauriol, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2014
Another Thienpont family selection, this is the wine from the younger vines of Château Puygueraud. Just another prime example of what a great family can do. Great value, fruity and vibrant. $12.99
Château Mirambeau Papin, Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge 2014
Made up of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this property was taken over by Xavier Landeau in 1995. He strives to retain the natural characteristics of the properties terroir. $13.99
Château Pontac Phenix, Haut-Médoc 2013
The second wine of Château Pontac-Lynch located in Margaux, the vines come from just outside Margaux, 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Aged for 14 months in used oak, the wine over delivers for the price. As Bear Dalton, Fine Wine Buyer for Spec’s puts it, “Think of it as a baby Margaux at an Haut-Médoc price.” $16.99
Château Puygueraud, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2015
Taken over by Nicolas Thienpont in 1983, the vineyard is planted to 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. This wine is an example of everything that a great Francs Côtes de Bordeaux property should be – vibrant, and aromatic with powerful dark fruit. $18.99
Château Segonzac Cuvée Tradition, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2014
Purchased in 1990 and then completely renovated wine making facilities. The vineyards are planted with 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a little Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. 6 months in barrel with spicy red fruit. $10.99
Château Sénéjac, Haut-Médoc 2015
A Cru Bourgeois that is located fairly far south in Haut-Médoc. Lorraine Cordier purchased it in 1999, who’s family also owns famed Château Talbot. Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, with just a touch of new oak to balance it out. $19.94
Château Tour de Marchesseau, Lalande de Pomerol 14/15
Coming from the Trocard family, this property is located in Lalande-de-Pomerol, right next to Pomerol. With 12 months of oak aging, this wine shows an excellent elegance of fruit and soft tannins. $15.69
Château Trocard, Bordeaux Supérieur 15/16
The staple from the Trocard family, who have been in the wine industry since 1620. This Bordeaux Supérieur is an example of just how good value Bordeaux really can be. $17.97
Clos des Moiselles, Côtes de Bourg Rouge 2014
Owned by Venezuelan born Oswaldo Hernandez, this Côtes de Bourg shows soft velvety fruit that is approachable right out of the gate. $13.99
Château Croix du Trale, Haut-Médoc 2014
Located just north of Saint-Estèphe, this small property is family owned and operated, with everyone participating. 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the wine is aged for 1 year in 1/3 new oak, giving a touch of spice to dark red fruits. This wine will surely please anyone you are entertaining. $15.89
Domaine Courteillac, Bordeaux Supérieur 2014
Located just southeast of Saint-Émilion, this property was purchased by Dominique Méneret. This Merlot dominant blend with a mixture of both oak and concrete aging stands out above the crowd of Bordeaux Supérieur, a long time favorite that is sure to surprise. $15.99
Lafite Rothschild Vineyard Réserve, Bordeaux Blanc & Rouge 2016 and 2017
With the name Rothschild on the label, you know the quality will be there. These wines make it easy to have another glass, the red and white are sure to please everyone at your next party. $12.99 each
Prices include 5% cash savings. Store Selections vary.
