May Pack 1 - Bordeaux! - R910
Morgenster	Lourensriver Valley, Helderberg 1999	R152
Branda	Puisseguin St Emilion 1999	R195
Vriesenhof	Kallista, Stellenbosch 2004	R120
Petit-Bocq	St Estephe 2004	R295
Highlands Road	Sincere, Elgin 2008	R72
Marjosse Blanc	Entre-deux-mers 2007	R125

Bordeaux forms the largest component of Wine Cellar's portfolio and we are the largest importers of fine Bordeaux in SA. With an area the size of South Africa’s entire vineyards, centuries of wine making and some of the most expensive sought-after wines in the world, Bordeaux commands the highest position amongst the world's wine regions. On the red side, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grow extremely well in the marginal coastal conditions in South-Western France. Petit Verdot and Malbec also play a small role in mainly the 'left-bank' wines. White wine wise, sweet and dry Bordeaux are produced from Sauvignon Blanc and Semilion from mainly the south of the city. Bordeaux wines can be some of the most profound and long-lived wines in the world making them the basis of wine investment.

The important wines within the best villages are classified according to their track-record of quality and prices over the last 2 centuries. This system dictates that there are a only limited number of Grand Cru (great growths), providing a hierarchy for pricing. Whilst the wines of Bordeaux are relatively expensive, the ever increasing demand especially from the East, coupled with finite supply points to more expensive wines in the future. Due to the variation of vintages in Bordeaux, the quality of the vintage plays a large role in its pricing.

Bordeaux is a unique system where one doesn’t actually buy straight from the Chateau but rather through a complicated distribution system. Bordeaux wines are mostly sold and bought en-primeur (as futures) two years before release whilst still in barrel. Wine Cellar has been active in the en-primeur system since the 2002 vintage and we are currently running the 2008 campaign. From each property, the wines are fed through a small number of courtiers who sell the wines to a larger number negociants, who in turn sell the wines to a merchant (Wine Cellar) and finally to the consumer. Its a complicated system that works well in good vintages where the demand outweighs supply and allocation is awarded to those who support the campaign each year.

So what are you to look out for when drinking the wines of Bordeaux? They are traditionally characterized by medium bodies, fine tannins, some herbaceous notes, plumy/berry fruit and a savoury finish. With modern developments in the cellar and vineyard, there has been a trend to more 'new world' style wines over the last 2 decades. In contrast, expect the South African wines to be have higher alcohols and a sweet-fruited finish but with similar flavour profiles.

Merlot based

The right bank of the Gironde river (which runs through Bordeaux city) is generally more clay dominated and thus offers better conditions for the ripening Merlot. The wines of Pomerol and St Emilion, the two famous communes, are Merlot-based with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon usually added. Chateau Branda 1999 from Puisseguin St Emilion is a small chateau situated on the eastern side of the beautiful town of St Emilion which is a world heritage sight. At 10 years of age, the Branda is reaching maturing and provides sumptuous drinking. It offers typical St Emilion characters of minerals, plum fruit and an elegant savoury finish. The Morgenster Lourensriver Valley 1999 from the Helderberg offers similar styling in SA. It is also Merlot dominated with a component of Cabernet Sauvignon. Consulted to be the Lurton's of Cheval Blanc fame, it is a tremendous wine that is maturing well and at a decade provides excellent freshness, vigour and richness.

Cabernet Sauvignon based

The Medoc lies on the the left bank of the Gironde River where the king of Reds – Cabernet Sauvignon – really shines. A deep bed of gravel allows for quick draining and regulated water supply making concentrated long-lived wines. The famous First Growths of Lafite and Mouton-Rothschild for example are located here. Petit-Bocq 2004 located in St Estephe is known for its rich tannic long-aging wines. It is traditionally styled with notes of cassis, cedar and juicy tannins. The 2004 is a younger drinking vintage that is already providing much pleasure. The Vriesenhof Kallista 2004 is one of the most under-rated Bordeaux-style blends in SA. It's made by ex-Springbok rugby player Jan Boland Coetzee who is known for his elegant, long-lived wines. Also Cabernet based, expect it to be fuller in body than the more subtle Petit Bocq.

Sauvignon Blanc based

The famous whites of Bordeaux are found South of the city in the commune of Graves – directly relating to the gravely soil. The top wines such as Haut Brion Blanc can fetch R1000s per bottle and mature like Grand Cru Burgundy. Generally, they comprise of 70% Sauvignon Blanc with the addition of Semilion for fatness and power. The Marjosse Blanc 2007 is the more vivacious younger drinking version that compares favourably with SA Sauvignon Blancs. Entre-duex-mers (in between the two rivers) is known for its great value red and white wines and 2007 is a really attractive, striking white vintage. In comparison, the Highlands Road Sincere 2008 offers a fuller, more textured palate. This new producer from the Elgin region is fashioning high quality Sauvignon Blanc for short to medium term ageing. Both wines will have a high acidity, but the Marjosse will seem more light-footed and steely!

From more info on the WCWC!