Graves - Bordeaux.

Graves lies to the south of the Médoc and stretches south along the Garonne River. It is larger than the Médoc but produces only around half as much wine, reflecting its more fragmented vineyard landscape and lower average yields. Historically, everything south of Bordeaux was known as Graves, including what are now Pessac-Léognan in the north and Sauternes in the south.

These two appellations could not be more different in style, with Pessac-Léognan producing structured dry reds and refined whites, while Sauternes specialises in some of the world’s most sought-after sweet wines with exceptional longevity. Below, we have selected two wines from each that offer outstanding opportunities to explore these regions at their very best.

 

Pessac-Leognan

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2016
6 × 75cl - £395 per case In Bond

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is the second wine of the legendary Château Haut-Brion, offering a wonderful introduction to one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates. Produced in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, it is made from carefully selected parcels that do not go into the Grand Vin, yet are vinified and aged with the same attention to detail and expertise.

The 2016 vintage has been lauded again for its quality this week in the press, which explains why Le Clarence is showing such beautiful balance, with ripe dark fruit, gentle smoky notes, and fine tannins. It has the structure to age gracefully, but also the elegance to be enjoyed now with a little time in the decanter. Expressive and unmistakably Haut-Brion in character, Le Clarence 2016 is a superb option in its own right.

Domaine de Chevalier 2019
6 × 75cl - £250 per case In Bond

We love Domaine de Chevalier at Seckford, one of Pessac-Léognan's most consistent estates, producing wines of Burgundian elegance with Bordeaux's structure. Tucked away in the heart of the forest, the 2019 vintage combines ripeness and silky smooth texture, reflecting both the warmth of the year and the estate’s restrained, classical approach. In the glass, it offers layers of blackcurrant, plum, and gentle smoky notes, with impressive harmony. It already shows wonderful poise, but will continue to develop gracefully. Domaine de Chevalier 2019 is a superb example of modern Pessac-Léognan, ideal for both confident cellaring and enjoyable early drinking.

Discover all of our Pessac-Leognan wines here.

Sauternes

Château La Tour Blanche 2013

12 × 75cl - £143 per case In Bond (12owc)

Château La Tour Blanche was classified as a 1er Cru Classé in the 1885 Classification. In 1909, the proprietor, Monsieur Osiris, bequeathed the estate to the state on condition that the property be used for educational purposes. In 1911, it became the Ecole de Viticulture et Oenologie and has been owned by the Ministry of Agriculture ever since. The 2013 La Tour Blanche is wonderfully layered in the glass. Floral-infused honey, Chamomile, white flowers, dried herbs and spices flesh out in a voluptuous, textured Sauternes with superb character.

Château Gilette 1976
12 × 75cl - £2,500 per case In Bond (12owc)

Château Gilette is one of the most revered and distinctive estates in Sauternes, renowned for producing some of the longest-lived and most concentrated sweet wines in Bordeaux. Château Gilettefollows a unique and uncompromising philosophy, ageing its wines for many years in cement tanks before bottling. This extraordinary patience allows the wines to develop remarkable depth, texture and complexity before they are ever released. The 1976 vintage is now exceptionally rare. After nearly fifty years of slow evolution, it offers profound layers of honey, dried apricot, marmalade, saffron and spice, supported by vibrant acidity and striking freshness. Few sweet wines in the world combine this level of maturity with such clarity and power. Gilette 1976 is not simply a fine Sauternes. It is a collector’s wine of genuine historical importance, and a rare opportunity to acquire a fully mature, world-class sweet Bordeaux at its peak.

Discover all of our Sauternes wines here.

 

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