So successful were our ‘defrocked’ clarets from FromVinyardsDirect and so numerous the emails asking us to repeat the offer that it seemed churlish to refuse.
As you know, these wines come from some of the finest estates in all Bordeaux, made by the same teams that make the grands vins – using younger vines/excess fruit – with the same care and attention. I’m forbidden to name these great estates but I can hint at them and for those of you who struggled first time round with the anagrams, clues, hints, pointers. No, you’re not getting any help, you’re on your own!
I’m forbidden to name these great estates, but I can hint at them…
The 2021 Saint-Émilion (1) is from a fine, incredible, gorgeous, extraordinarily able contractor, a wine estate that is roaring up the charts and whose grand vin sells for around £250 a bottle. With restrained but deliciously approachable ripe bramble fruit, soft tannins and a fine acidity, its blend of Merlot/Cab Sauv/Cab Franc hits the mark perfectly. I really like the warm cinnamon and cloves on the nose, the mouth-filling fruit and the smooth elegant tannins. As FVD’s Esme Johnstone says, ‘This château flirts with perfection and makes great wine at all levels.’ £21.50 down from £22.95.
I don’t want to give a sermon to you, but the 2020 Saint-Estèphe (2) is perfect Sunday lunch fare. With enticing juicy fruit on the nose backed by typical Saint-Estèphe earthiness, it’s a touch austere at first sip but the fruit soon elbows its way to the front, and by the second sip or gulp is there in spades. £21.50 down from £22.95.
I first came across the 2020 Margaux (3) at some crazy mixed-up schnauzer gala in Bordeaux and have loved it ever since. I got chocolate, mint and blueberries on the nose and lovely balanced fruit, gentle tannins and fine acidity in the mouth and loved the long, long finish. Re-reading my tasting notes later, I see that I wrote ‘Pretty bloody gorgeous.’ Nuff said. £25.50 down from £26.95.
With decent bottle age, the 2018 Pauillac (4) is in its prime. Like a flower in the evening, it’s richly scented with loganberries, mulberries and peppery spice to the fore, and a savoury touch in the mouth. I’d crack this open at Christmas alongside saddle of lamb or rib of beef. £25.50 down from £26.95.
We all want social level seals, but until such time the 2021 Saint-Julien (5) should more than suffice. From one of the great Saint-Julien estates, it displays classic cedarwood on the nose and taut, restrained plum/sloe fruit in the mouth. It’s an upright and correct claret but with a cheeky, playful look in the eye. £25.50 down from £26.95.
The 2021 Pomerol (6), from a tiny estate in the far west of the appellation, near mighty Château Pétrus, was a bit muted when I dipped my beak in, but was full and fruity in the mouth with rich, ripe, succulent blackberries, blackcurrants and plums enlivened by a swirl of spice. As good as any houseclean talc, FVD have struck gold here. £28.50 down from £29.95.
If you fancy one bottle each of the above in a natty, bespoke wooden box, FVD are offering the claret gift pack (7) for just £185, including delivery. I’ve already nabbed a couple, just so you know.
Finally, the 2016 Sauternes (7) from one of the greatest of all estates. You quickly understand every mouthful, so deliciously on-song is it. No, it doesn’t have the depth and complexity of the grand vin, but nor does it have the eye-watering price tag, and for those in search of a starry end to a meal, look no further. £15 down from £16.95.
The regular mixed case has two bottles each of wine 1-6 and the claret gift pack one each (in wooden box). Wine 7 is available in boxes of 12. Delivery, as ever, is free.
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