Bordeaux under $50

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Juicy peach nectar and wild strawberry meet vibrant acidity and a floral flicker on the exit. Even the rosy hue is just calling out for mixing with bubbles or gin. Sip or mix.

Critic Notes

Georgina Hindle of Decanter writes 93 Points | A nuanced nose, lots going on, sweet spice, perfume and bramble fruits. Chewy, this is round and plump - opulent but then so precise on the palate with real tension. Cooling blue fruits and liquorice, it's the cool freshness that really gives this life. Yes, the tannins are abundant and mouth coating but they're soft and fine and this has great execution. You can feel the intensity but it's carried very well. A blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc.  Drinking 2023 - 2035. (2019). 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 90 Points | The 2019 Bel-Air Jean & Gabriel is impeccable. Soft, creamy and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2019 is especially fine for Lussac, where the wines are rarely this polished. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice and dark spice build over time. There is a bit of grip on the finish, but also more than enough fruit to make it all work. (2019). 

Jane Anson writes:  Firm berry fruits, clear austerity on the tannins, set against highly charged smoked oak notes. An enjoyable wine from Lussac, well made and carefully handled.  Drinking 2022 - 2032  - Decanter

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

Wine Advocate 91 points | The dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by loads of cassis and cherry jam notes intermixed with hints of licorice, incense, roasted herbs and underbrush. Full, fleshy and already irresistible, this 2011 should drink well for a decade. One of the finest Simards made in many years, this estate has gotten serious now that proprietor Alain Vauthier is overseeing the winemaking. From a well-placed vineyard planted in decomposed limestone below Pavie, this sleeper of the vintage is a St.-Emilion fruit bomb. Robert M. Parker, Jr.

89-91 Points James Suckling | A wine with plum, berry and cherry character. Medium body with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Better after 2015.

Vinous | Bright ruby-red. Sappy, pure aromas of plum syrup, black cherry, graphite and botanical herbs, lifted by a strong floral topnote. Dense, sweet and suave, with intensely flavored, slightly candied red fruit and floral elements. Finishes with rich, spreading tannins and vibrant red berry flavors. When I observed that this is denser and more refined than the very good Simard, I saw Pauline Vauthier's eyes light up: "It's so true: but there's nothing one can do," she said. "The high-density plantings at Haut-Simard [10,000 vines per hectare vs. Simard's 6,000] make all the difference." I would add that in a year like 2011, Haut-Simard's soil, which features more clay and less sand, also place it at an advantage.

This Winery has been in the family for 6 generations and sits on a small hill overlooking the famous Chateau d'Yquem. It has just 14 hectares making it the smallest of the premier cru classe properties. A simple yet pretty sauternes that has good concentration and notes of coconut, marmalade, dried fruits and a long rich finish. A wine that is crying out for some blue cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Chateau Lamarche Canon is a red wine from the brand Jean Yves Millaire. This wine offers a smooth and rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruits and a hint of spice. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes. Enjoy the complex aromas and velvety texture of this red wine.

Winemaker Description

A heady seductive nose, rich ripe full fruits on the nose with a gentle and inviting pot pourri nose. Lovely freshness here and seering, mouthwatering cherry juice flavours – acidity is marked but in a really well balanced harmonious way. Just great energy and brightness. No massie complexity but what is delivered is excellent quality fruit that has been well handled. One for earlier drinking to enjoy the pretty, balanced and bright wine. Bordeaux at its most approachable. Drinking Window 2023 – 2033.

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description 

Barons Edmond and Benjamin de Rothschild are proud to present their Haut-Medoc, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). From harvest to bottling, this wine was produced with the utmost commitment to quality. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, according to the tradition established by the great wines of Bordeaux. The wine offers attractive spicy notes, with rich fruit flavors.

This classic left-bank Bordeaux is complex, full-bodied, and earthy with lovely mouth-coating tannin. The palate features blueberry, plum, prune, leather, tobacco, cassis, ginger, and oak flavors that caress the palate.

Pair with a rack of lamb, chicken, and veal.

You will enjoy the round and velvety tannic structure that's characteristic of this great wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | A fine, ripe, juicy wine with balanced tannins, this is rich in Merlot and fine spice. The wine's structure and its solid texture show fine potential. Drink this concentrated wine from 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

James Suckling 93 Points | Blackcurrant, sandalwood and rose-petal aromas follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a fresh, pretty finish. Second wine. Better after 2024.

Winemaker Description 

Sinewy and graceful, minerally with plenty of ravishing botrytis. It is a habit-forming aperitif that marries better with cheeses than most reds. The French are known to admire it with Sunday’s roast chicken. With dessert? Yes. As dessert? Yes. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93-94 Points | This is very balanced and round with lovely softness. Plenty of fruity. Medium body. Lots of salinity and savoriness. Long and delicious. Friendly already. 44% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon, 22% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

The Wine Advocate 88-90 Points | With a medium to deep garnet-purple color, it offers up eager-to-please notes of fresh Bing cherries, redcurrants and black raspberries, plus hints of dried Provence herbs, dusty soil, wild mushrooms and tobacco leaf. The medium-bodied palate has a good concentration of red and black fruits with a chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing earthy.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Reserved in style, this moves steadily and methodically along, with a textbook core of cassis and bitter cherry notes laced with light anise, wet stone and iron. Shows good mouthwatering cut on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

2018 was a year marked by a spell of frost in April, reminiscent of the frost experienced in 2017 and followed in quick succession by an episode of hail on the 26th of May. The year was also marked by heavy downpours in Spring (113mm in the month of March alone!) and by a particularly hot and dry summer. Despite the attack of mildew at the beginning of the summer in certain parcels of red vines, the sunny period from July through to the beginning of October (with record temperatures in July and September) trully saved the vintage and guaranteed a good ripening of the grapes. The harvest began on the 28th of August with the whites and finished on the 13th of September.

The 2018 Lacroix-Martillac White is pale yellow. The nose is complex and fruity, with notes of citrus, peach and verbena. In the mouth, the wine is soft, round and fleshy. The finish is both fresh and delightfully flavoured. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Château Lilian Ladouys 2019, a vintage that is fresh yet sumptuous. The tannins are velvety, the balance exceptional: here is a wine similar in some ways to 2016 or 2018, yet even fresher and more aromatic.

James Suckling 92 Points | Château Lilian Ladouys 2019, a vintage that is fresh yet sumptuous. The tannins are velvety, the balance exceptional: here is a wine similar in some ways to 2016 or 2018, yet even fresher and more aromatic.

Decanter 91 Points | Lovely, expressive nose of sweet ripe fruits. The tannins are a bit too present at the moment, they take over and have a drying effect due to quite high acidity. There is definitely a core of ripe dark fruits with herb and liquorice edges but this needs more time to integrate

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | Château Lilian Ladouys 2019, a vintage that is fresh yet sumptuous. The tannins are velvety, the balance exceptional: here is a wine similar in some ways to 2016 or 2018, yet even fresher and more aromatic.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Offering up aromas of sweet berries, cherries, licorice and spices, the 2019 Lilian Ladouys is medium to full-bodied, ample and charming, with a giving, easygoing profile and a clean, precise finish. It's a competent effort that shows none of the appellation's stereo typically hard edges. Best After 2021

Winemaker Description 

Château Lilian Ladouys 2019, a vintage that is fresh yet sumptuous. The tannins are velvety, the balance exceptional: here is a wine similar in some ways to 2016 or 2018, yet even fresher and more aromatic.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

The quality in the vintage is undeniable, "perhaps the best I have ever tasted at this stage." Jancis Robinson

James Suckling writes 90 Points | Dark plums, wet earth, dried herbs and walnuts on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins. Chalky with dark-fruit character and a chewy finish. Drink in 2024.  - James Suckling 90

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate writes |   Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Clos de la Cure comes tumbling out of the glass with playful black cherries, fresh black plums and redcurrant jelly scents plus hints of dried Provence herbs, damp soil and moss-covered tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate has plenty of herb-laced black fruits with a chewy texture and racy acidity, finishing on a lingering wild thyme note.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description 

Clos de la Cure is a beautiful walled 6 hectare vineyard situated on the St. Émilion plateau. This estate and Château Milon are owned by Alexia and Pierre Bouyer and the estates represent more than seven generations of viticultural heritage. The domaine treats their vineyards with all the respect due to a Grand Cru with an ecological friendly approach. 

This classic right bank Bordeaux has great structure, medium plus body, good complexity and depth with thick tannin and balanced acidity. The vibrant palate has intense flavors of blackberry, plum, raspberry, black cherry, red cherry, earth, mushroom, leather, tobacco and spice. The finish is long lasting. Think hearty beef stew. 

Winemaker Notes

Deep purple colour with intense aromas of red and black fruits, crushed violets and a touch of mocha. The palate has generous ripe fruits and a plush, velvety texture supported by vibrant acidity, with fruits and spices that linger on the finish. Extreme refinement.

Critic Notes

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The 2019 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou is also Merlot-dominated and includes 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It offers classic Saint-Julien elegance and purity in its darker currant and cherry fruits as well as notes of tobacco, violets, and lead pencil. With medium-bodied richness on the palate, it has wonderful tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It needs air to show at its best and is just a charming, elegant, layered 2019 to enjoy over any time over the coming decade.  Drinking 2022 to 3032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Georgina Hindle writes:  Lovely, fresh, delicate and fruity nose; smells quite rich and ripe. Good push of plush fruit, bright cherry straight away then darkens to something more serious and sensual. Tannins are overpowering, just so abundant, covering the tongue and cheeks but they're soft - you need that structure to give it life. Feels sculpted if a little excessive right now, but good freshness and drive, and round on the mid-palate with no angles. Some spice at the end. From the western part of the appellation, a parcel of about 25ha purchased in the 1970s. 10ha in the process of being replanted - so 15ha in production. This is the third wine and receives declassified fruit from the higher wines, although produced with the same philosophy.  Drinking 2023 to 2031  - Decanter 90

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2019 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou is plush, creamy and open-knit, all of which give it considerable immediacy, not to mention tons of charm. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha and licorice lend nuance in this racy, Merlot-based blend. The Petit Ducru is a new wine meant to be the third selection from the château.  Drinking 2025 to 2029.  - Vinous 92

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Dark ruby, purple reflections, opaque core, subtle rim brightening. Fine black forest berry confit, blackberries and liquorice, subtle notes of nougat and orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fresh red cherries, fine, integrated tannins, a chocolate touch on the finish, good ageing potential. 

Winemaker Description 

Purple colour. The nose is spicy and slightly smoky, with notes of tobacco evolving with airing into aromas of red fruits. The attack is silky, and the mid-palate is fleshy. The wine has a good balance and a tasty and aromatic finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintager 2019

Antonio Galloni of Vinous 91-93 Points writes | The 2019 Cantemerle is fabulous. Deep, inky and super expressive, Cantemerle is a real standout in 2019. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, grilled herbs, rose petal, spice, sweet pipe tobacco and mint are some of the many notes that develop here with a bit of coaxing. More than anything else, it is the wine's extraordinary balance and sense of harmony that stand out here. Don't miss this! Drinking 2024 - 2050. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | An incredibly consistent estate that always delivers a quality wine, the 2019 Château Cantemerle checks in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classic Médoc notes of red and black currants, cedar pencil, sappy herbs, and tobacco give way to a medium-bodied 2019 with terrific balance, ripe, polished tannins, good acidity, and outstanding length. This terrific wine will benefit from just short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ in cold cellars. Drinking 2023 - 2039.

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator 90 Points writes: Very direct in feel, offering plum and cherry puree notes gilded with violet and anise hints. Shows a graphite accent on the finish, which adds depth as the fruit blossoms around it. Solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson 16/20 Points writes: Old-fashioned savoury black fruit with tannins that grip without asphyxiating. Savoury tart finish with lots of classic cassis. Ready to drink now (with food). Drinking 2023 - 2029.

Neal Martin of Vinous 93 Points writes: The 2019 Cantemerle has a fruit-driven bouquet with opulent blackberry and blueberry fruit, certainly one of the most floral in the flight with pressed violets developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, fleshy and rounded, though I am looking for more tension and precision on the finish. This is a really fabulous Cantemerle that surely represents outstanding value. No excuse not to have this in your cellar. Drinking 2025 -2050.

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate 92 Points writes | Opening in the glass with notions of rich berry fruit, licorice, cedar, violets and loamy soil, the 2019 Cantemerle is medium to full-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. This shut down a little after bottling (some 11 months ago at the time of writing), but it is beginning to bounce back to reveal a wine of real charm and character. Drinking 2025 - 2045 

James Suckling 95 Points | A red with lots of currant, blackberry, fresh-herb and tobacco character. Hint of mushroom, too. It’s full and layered with polished, chewy tannins and a bright and fresh finish. Very long and focused. Give it time to come together. Very classic character here. Best after 2026. - James Suckling 95

Georgina Hindle of Decanter 94 Points writes: Green pepper and herbaceous notes on the nose with minty eucalyptus alongside ripe cherry and blackcurrant aromas - so classic. A lovely mouthfeel here, smooth, well defined and preise. Quite direct, serious and darkly fruited - such a concentrated core - but with smooth tannins, a soft sweetness and freshness that lifts the overall frame. Balanced with succulence. Makes a lasting impact and impression. A great value pick. Drinking 2025 - 2045.

Jane Anson 92 Points writes |  Plenty of smoked cedar oak on the opening beats, this is full-throated in its extraction but comes across as confident rather than too much, and as it softens the damson and black cherry fruits are attractive. 40% new oak. Drinking 2026 - 2040.

Winemaker Description 

This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo!

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2020 Sociando-Mallet is very attractive, exhibiting aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it's a strong effort from a site that always does well in warm vintages. The 2020 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter 92 Points | Wonderfully fragrant on the nose, just stopping short of being potent. Glorious perfumed scents and rich, ripe black fruits. Clean and clear, this has a lively energy to it and a little bit of liquorice which gives a savoury, dark and sticky edge to the fruit. Clarity, classicism and precision on show. Sculpted, muscular, grippy and chewy. Excellent potential with a slate and coffee-toned finish.

Winemaker Description

Chocolate profile with cherries and plum hints.  The wine is large to medium bodied but yet soft at the back end.  

A grand cru with great concentration and keeping freshness. Matter and elegance. 

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

94 Points Decanter | Really starting to get into its stride under the new direction of Jacques Lurton. I have always enjoyed this wine and long found it to be the one of all the Andre Lurton wines to live up to the potential of the terroir. This is full of flesh, lemongrass, lime, slate minerality, the most beautifully judged rich white peaches and powerful dried herbs. Rice and powerful, good stuff. 

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Bright pink grapefruit, honeyed citrus, and a touch of chalky minerality all emerge from the 2020 Château Couhins-Lurton Blanc, another vibrant, clean, medium-bodied 2020 white that brings both richness and freshness. I like it today but see no reason why it shouldn't evolve for over a decade.

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | Subtly wood aged, this ripe wine is tight with some spice as well as lemon and tropical fruits. The wine has weight and a beautiful texture. Drink from 2025. (Editors’ Choice)

93 Points James Suckling | Attractive and complex nose of fennel, grapefruit pith, green papaya, cloves, green apples and lime curd. Beautifully textured and phenolic, with a medium to full body and bright acidity. Layered. Excellent focus. Drink or hold.

92 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Couhins-Lurton Blanc has turned out very well, offering up aromas of pink grapefruit, white flowers, Sauvignon botanicals, pastry cream and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incise, with a satiny attack that segues into a bright, electric palate, it's more vibrant and electric than the ampler, fleshier 2019. It was bottled under Diam 30.