While First Growth Bordeaux is stratospherically priced, there are scores of stellar 2020 vintage Bordeaux (red and white) now coming onto the market that—though not exactly steals—are pretty affordable given their track records. Here are my Eight Top Bordeaux wines from last week’s jam-packed Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting in San Francisco where more than 100 châteaux poured. I scored each of these eight wines 95 points or higher. All of the wines can be bought on pre-arrival now. Most will start coming to retail and online stores between May and September. To see our video of the event, click here. Order now—just click on the wine!
CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL BLANC 2020 (PESSAC-LÉOGNAN) $55 —A superb white. Notes of lemongrass, lime, and sage. Vivid, kinetic, and refreshing. Mostly Sauvignon Blanc with some Sémillon. 96 pts KM
CHÂTEAU LA LOUVIÈRE BLANC 2020 (PESSAC-LÉOGNAN) $43—Splashes of minerality. Super crisp. Lots of fresh sage and bay notes with a refreshing saline bounce. Entirely Sauvignon Blanc. 95 pts KM
CHÂTEAU FIGEAC 2020 (SAINT-ÉMILION) $240 —Beautiful arc of intense flavor. Very structured with fine tannin and sandalwood, spice, tobacco, and blackberry notes. About one third each Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. 95 pts KM
CHÂTEAU ANGLUDET 2020 (MARGAUX) $75 —Perfect choreography. Intensely flavored yet very refined, even at this early stage. Partly made in amphorae. Vineyard is organic and biodynamic. Mostly Cabernet Franc and Merlot with some Petit Verdot. 96 pts KM
CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2020 (SAINT-JULIEN) $ 86 —Exquisitely balanced and vibrating with energy. Lots of freshness and fine tannin. Long and built for decades. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with some Petit Verdot. 96 pts KM
CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 2020 (PAUILLAC) $88 —Delicious, ripe, and spicy with loads of anise, cumin, and cardamon notes. Very refined tannin structure. Elegant and irresistible. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with some Cabernet Franc. 97 pts KM
CHÂTEAU PICHON BARON 2020 (PAUILLAC) $330 for magnum —Exquisite balance of richness and freshness. Soaring structure. Intense cassis. Long and vivid. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot. 97 pts KM
CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY-DUCASSE 2020 (PAUILLAC) $40 —Velvety and rich with intriguing flavors reminiscent of pipe tobacco, espresso, cedar, and woodland forests. Very long on the palate. Cabernet and Merlot. 95 pts KM
