Mission Codename Boyd out of my mind
“One I really wanted another glass of…” – Decanter
Last week, we witnessed what happens with seeing “Margaux & bargain” in the same context. This too will sell out - let’s just start by giving you a heads-up on that. Where were we now?
95 points! 70% OFF?!
Boyd Cantenac is the ultimate Bordeaux for the masses. A Margaux 3rd Growth, with accolades, from a phenomenal vintage. At the $160 library price (as witnessed here) it is an impressive bargain, sharing the turf with the likes of Margaux, Palmer, and Rauzan-Ségla. Thanks to our insane deal, at $48 it’s arguably the best money you can spend for a Classified Growth in Margaux.
There’s Bordeaux, then there’s Margaux. It’s not just our favorite appellation, but its reputation is BIG. To our palates, a quintessential Margaux sits somewhere between an austere Pauillac’s aristocracy and the irresistible approachability of a bodacious Pomerol. It really is the best of both worlds, so when we found an example of this striking balance in a wine that won’t hurt the pocketbook, we were thrilled to jump on as much as was there. Perfect provenance, direct from the Château cellars.
2019 was, per Decanter “unquestionably an extremely successful vintage in Margaux” and the proof is here in our glasses. Effusive and explosive to the core, this trots tons of energy and pedigree to burn. Crushed flowers, mint, gravel, red fruit, sage, and mocha abound. Subtle suggestions of cigar box, and tobacco linger effortlessly. Remarkably deep and vivid, in one of the most distinguished styles of the Left Bank, with just the right kiss of flare hand in hand with mid-weight classicism.
An article from a couple of years back by The Times singles Boyd-Cantenac out as “The best bargain Bordeaux wine” pointing out that “Good red Bordeaux is a marriage of blackcurrant and cedar aromas, reminiscent of an old cigar box and with a full-bodied, savory texture. Although you can easily pay north of $250 for the very top examples, there is no need.” Yeah we say, totally mate.
Margaux a go-go and you know what to do.
95 Points – Decanter “Dark and concentrated nose, smells ripe and heady. This has an excellent structure, right from the off you can feel and taste the density of fruit but it’s so well handled and well proportioned - everything is in balance. It’s a rich style, full on the palate with a cooling menthol aspect to it but it has nice spicy edges and bright acidity propelling it forward. The texture stands out, smooth but present tannins giving a mouthfeel that is so appealing. One I really wanted another glass of, but it will be even better with a few more years of aging. Drink 2027-2044”
What the Winery Says
2019 Margaux Grand Cru Classé
- Proprietor/winemaker
- Lucien Guillemet
- Varietals
- 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- %14
- Appellation
- Margaux, Haut-Médoc
- Classification (1855)
- 3ème Grand Cru Classé
- Soils
- Gravel & sand
- Vineyard size
- 17 ha
- Vine Age
- 40 years average
- Density
- 10,000 vines/ha
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 80% new French oak