I’m hosting a dinner in a few weeks with some friends who enjoy wine, but are not wine geeks. They love wines like Silver Oak and Quilceda Creek. And while I enjoy those wines when offered, they aren’t something I usually drink - my favorite producers are Cadence and Andrew Will. I’ve recently started exploring Bordeaux and have enjoyed more traditional producers like Chasse Spleen, Sociando Mallet, Gloria, and Cantemerle. I was hoping to find another Bordeaux or two that might lean a little more toward my guests tastes, but also make me happy. Willing to spend a little more too - maybe in the $100 - $150 range? Suggestions???
I take it your guests prefer newer versions of silver oak, etc? If so, do not go older than ~10-15 years as the fruit (similar to Napa) starts to diminish and secondary and possibly tertiary.
I would also lean towards the more NAPA vintages vs leaner which can be more green or lean. Suggestions in that price rage might be:
Domaine de Chevalier (as mentioned above)
Smith Haut Lafitte
Canon
Troplong Mondot
Pape Clement
Would suggest mixing vintages, say 2010 & 2015 smith haut lafitte or mixing producers. Also make sure they are decanter long enough as the newer vintages take time to open up to a ‘NAPA’ silky feel.
I highly recommend a 2010 smith haut lafitte and a Domaine de Chevalier.
+2. The 2000 Brane is in the zone and can be found for <$100, at least at auction. Another is the 1998 Grand Mayne, though the 1999 and 2000 would work well too.
I know you are asking for Bordeaux but try this bordeaux blend from Argentina (it’s only $20-30 and fantastic!). Maybe throw it in to the mix for fun and see how people react.
Frankly, that’s a great recommendation. I went deep on this vintage, and I’ve been buying Cantemerle since it was part of the Cordier stable! Love the use of the word “stable” in that old Cordier funk meaning.
Taking into account all you have noted- I think in this case the 2014 Bordeaux vintage can be your best friend. I have tasted a number of the wines and they are not only very forward, but quite substantial. They are not massive like 2010 or 2009, but they do have some good heft to them and it is a rare vintage where almost everything I have tried is showing very well in the early days. They will be appealing to Bordeaux and CA Cab lovers alike- and it is a dream come true kind of vintage for people who are interested in learning about Bordeaux and want to try some younger vintages to track over time.
Chateau Talbot 2014 would be an excellent choice- and under $60. A beautiful and classic Talbot- and very easy to enjoy right now. If you want to spend a bit more- closer to the $150 price point- then I would go with either Chateau Montrose or Pichon-Lalande. Again- very classic expressions showing well, and wines that CA Cab lovers would also appreciate. If you would like to go the Pomerol route- then La Conseillante is a good call and should be $125ish at the most.
2016 Prieure Lichine if you are OK with saving some money and drinking something younger. Beautifully balanced, seamless wine with nano-grained tannins…