Bordeaux Explorer - Mixed Half Dozen

Despite a reputation for grand châteaux and headline prices, there is still great value to be found in Bordeaux from a swathe of properties, many being smaller, family-run concerns. In recent times, the warmer climate has imbued more ripeness and richness in the wines – we judge this a good thing as balance and approachability have improved immensely. Classy Merlot, backed up by curranty Cabernet Sauvignon, is found across the region, from our own label Tanners wine with its famous juiciness, to the more structured clarets of the Haut-Médoc. The ‘satellites’ of the main names on the Right Bank, such as Lalande-de-Pomerol and Lussac-Saint-Emilion, offer excellent value, making wines of similar style to their better-known neighbours. You’ll also get a couple of slightly more mature vintages in this taster case; many good clarets don’t show their best until they are five or so years old, developing those mellow, secondary characteristic flavours that can last a further ten years in good vintages.