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Médoc

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Médoc

Medoc wine, a tradition of excellence   

This region is located on the left bank of the Gironde, more precisely where, to the north, it joins the Atlantic Ocean to form a peninsula, or more schematically, between Bordeau and the tip of the peninsula. There is also a North/South axis ("Bas-Médoc/Haut-Médoc"), with the north of the region being the land of historical prestige, which historically corresponded to the "Médoc" designation alone. A further distinction is made between the Landes du Médoc, the continental part, and the wine-growing, coastal Médoc, where the essence of Médoc wine is produced. The "Médoc" AOC thus covers 5,800 ha, and vines are a thriving and historic crop: up to 285,000 hectolitres of Médoc red wine are produced here every year. 

The Médoc appellation territory combines the three soil types of the Médoc: Garonne gravel, Pyrenean gravel and clay-limestone. Given the vast size of the appellation, these terroirs are characterized by extreme variety. Wines are mainly made from Merlot noir and Cabernet-sauvignon grapes, with smaller proportions of Cabernet franc, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, Cot or Malbec.

A heritage wine 

The Médoc has been a land of wine since Roman times, when it became famous for its trade in wine and amber throughout the Empire. In the Middle Ages, the Médoc became an important religious and cultural pilgrimage route, a welcoming and prosperous land for travellers on their way to Santiago de Compostela, not forgetting to savour its famous wine. This golden age reached a climax in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the appearance of crus that have remained legendary ever since: Château Labadie and Château Lafitte (haut médoc and wine can go very well together!) made a big splash at the 1855 Universal Exhibition. Other grands crus to emerge since then include Château de By and the Poitevin vineyards, which match the quality of these historic vintages. 

A land dotted with Gallo-Roman vineyards, testimony to a rich economic past, in the 60s Médoc experienced a second wind from North Africa. At that time, a number of repatriates settled on wine-growing land left fallow following major financial crises. Armed with a strong will, they breathed new enthusiasm into the Médoc people and revived part of the wine-growing region with new cultivation methods and winemaking secrets. The Médoc appellation d'origine contrôlée, granted by decree on November 14, 1936, is now the most extensive in the Médoc region.

According to the texts, all eight delimited appellations in the Médoc region (from the Jalle de Blanquefort to the north of the Bordeaux conurbation, almost as far as the Pointe de Grave) are eligible for the Médoc appellation. But it also has a specific territory, located in the north of the peninsula, which produces exclusively wines of this appellation. In fact, the vast majority of Médoc wines come from the northern part of the peninsula. Among these, Château d'Escurac, Château Haut-Maurac and Château La Tour de By are particularly noteworthy.

Reasons for excellence 

A great wine never appears by chance, but usually by the confluence of ideal geographical and meteorological conditions and unique know-how. This is exactly the case here, as the Médoc enjoys a highly advantageous geographical location that also benefits the wines of neighboring Bordeaux. The climate in the south of France is one of the best in the world for vine-growing: abundant sunshine, moderate but sufficient humidity for the development of many plants, long, hot summers and a milder September are all essential for the development of the grapes, which will gorge themselves with flavor throughout the warm season without perishing from excessive heat. 

The Médoc also boasts an exceptional subsoil, already noticed and admired in ancient times, consisting of gravelly hilltops suited to viticulture, and further optimized since then by the draining of certain marshes and the work of winegrowers over the past 2000 years who have nurtured and maintained this fertile soil with the aim of constantly improving the quality of the wines. The result is a unique and surprising flavor: intense tannins that emerge on the frame of a balanced and structured wine; defined essentially by its power but nevertheless full-bodied. They are refined over 5 to 10 years to avoid a youthfulness that can make them too tannic. It's worth noting, however, that in the Médoc we also find wines born of clay-limestone soils with a different character: fine, elegant and subtle, they can, unlike their gravelly cousins, be enjoyed even when young.


More information on the Médoc

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Petit Manou - Médoc 2018

91/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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89/100 RVF

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88/100 Wine Enthusiast

silky
black fruits
top deal
model of success

"Petit Manou is a delicious vintage! ~ La RVF "

"Precise, tasty, natural in its balances, very well vinified, model Medoc. A must-drink. (Bettane & Desseauve). Enjoy with beef carpaccio, grilled meats, a cheese platter...

Clos Manou - Médoc 2020

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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94/100 RVF

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94/100 Yves Beck

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92/100 Vinous

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92/100 Robert Parker

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92/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

fruit bomb
precise
irresistible
safe bet

"A talented equilibrist who sails between maturity and freshness. Irresistible!"

"This renowned cru has once again distinguished itself with this very fine 2020, which has benefited from the utmost care and attention, with a complex ageing process combining barrel, concrete egg and dolia (earthenware jar). A deep color tending towards black, a greedy, tasty nose evoking chocolate, cloves, menthol and very ripe black fruits, the approach is engaging. What follows is equally profound: great density, volume, powerful yet mellow tannins, explosive fruit well blended with wood, a very long finish that brings back freshness and energy. A great Medoc for ageing. (Le Guide Hachette 2024) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château La Raze Beauvallet Médoc 2020 - Cru Bourgeois

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

Médaille d'Or Gilbert & Gaillard

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Médaille d'Or Concours de Mâcon

generous
grills
cru bourgeois
top deal

"Classified Cru Bourgeois for over 60 years!"

"Deep, bright red. Red fruit nose with intense woody notes. Dense and solid on the palate, the wood is very present and adds a great deal of structure, while the fruit is still a little in the background. To be waited for". (Gilbert & Gaillard - Médaille d'Or) - A wine of pleasure at a staggering price!

G d'Estournel Médoc 2019 - 3ème vin

93/100 Yves Beck

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92/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Decanter

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92/100 Le Figaro

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92/100 Vert de Vin

merlot
freshness
charmer

"Formerly known as Goulée by Cos!

"A nose of raspberry, macerated strawberry, elderflower and hay, with great elegance and charm. On the palate, the fruit is sweet, suave and lively, with a lovely freshness, not to mention a creamy texture, on a slightly aniseed finish." (Le Figaro 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Beauvillage Médoc 2020 - Cru Bourgeois

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (4 reviews)

89/100 Vinous

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89/100 James Suckling

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89/100 Wine Enthusiast

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Médaille d'Or Concours Lyon

round-tipped
inviting
cru bourgeois
top deal

"Recommended by the trade magazine Vinous!

"Beauvillage 2020 presents a light nose with scents of red fruit, tobacco and undergrowth. The palate is fleshy, with modest depth, rather "soft" but well-balanced, and a fine tension on the finish. It glides easily over the palate. Recommended." (Vinous 2023) - A Cru Bourgeois among the Médoc appellation's best bargains!

Château Labadie Médoc 2019 - Cru Bourgeois

Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5

3.9/5 (7 reviews)

91/100 Yves Beck

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90/100 James Suckling

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89-90/100 Vert de Vin

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Médaille d'Or Concours Bordeaux

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Médaille d'Or Challenge International du Vin

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Médaille d'Argent Concours Paris

balanced
charming
cru bourgeois
top deal

"A Cru Bourgeois with a great track record!

"The bouquet first reveals its breeding through notes of caramel. These give way to dark berry notes after a little aeration. The wine is elegant, creamy and perfectly balanced thanks to smooth, well-integrated tannins. A full-bodied, fresh and charming wine that deserves a little ageing to develop its full potential". (Yves Beck 2021)

Chapelle de Potensac Médoc 2019 - Second vin

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

91/100 James Suckling

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90/100 Decanter

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16/20 Jancis Robinson

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89-91/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

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88/100 Robert Parker

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88/100 Yves Beck

round-tipped
freshness
accessible
delicious
juicy
white meat
second wine
quality-price

"A 2nd wine that is pleasant to drink or to keep!"

"What a fresh, fruity bouquet, with nuances of red berries and licorice. Right from the start, this wine makes you want to drink it. Its sapid, digestible and juicy character on the palate also contributes to this". (Yves Beck 2021) - The Delon family, head of the famous Châteaux Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis and Nénin, also manages the Potensac estate in the Médoc AOC. Thanks to their unrivalled expertise, their wines offer excellent consistency and value for money. As witnessed by Chapelle de Potensac 2019, a 2nd wine that's accessible and tasty!

Château Potensac Médoc 2020

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

94/100 James Suckling

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93/100 Terre de Vins

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93/100 Yves Beck

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93/100 Le Figaro

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92/100 Decanter

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92/100 Vinous

character
energy
success

"A fine example of the Médoc character!

"So much identity in Potensac! We're in the Médoc, with this varietal freshness and then this well-established character, through precise, powerful but not demonstrative tannins. The tannins provide a good foundation for the whole palate, while the acid structure adds temperament. A wine that combines vigor and harmony". (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Rose Victoria - Médoc 2020

gourmet
user-friendly
ready to drink
exclusive

"A gourmet Médoc for immediate pleasure!

" A brilliant garnet-red color of great intensity. The nose is clean, greedy and fruity, with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry. A hint of spice adds complexity. The attack is fresh, with a lovely suppleness on the palate. The aromas are concentrated and fruity, making this a very gourmet, convivial Médoc with a lovely finish". (Maison A. de Luze)

Château Les Grands Chênes - Médoc 2018

Wine rated 2.5/5Wine rated 2.5/5Wine rated 2.5/5Wine rated 2.5/5Wine rated 2.5/5

2.5/5 (2 reviews)

93/100 James Suckling

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91/100 Robert Parker

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91/100 Decanter

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91/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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90/100 Yves Beck

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90/100 Vert de Vin

balanced
crunchy
inviting
pork chops
quality-price
signature

"The glamour of Bernard Magrez wines!

"You can feel the warmth of summer in the texture and character of the fruit here, which has been extremely well managed, and there's a sense of elevation alongside Magrez's characteristic glamour. The plush plum aromas demonstrate its ambition and sense of forward motion, with a touch of oak. It takes its time and is mellow on the finish". (Decanter 2021) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Château Poitevin Médoc 2015 - Cru Bourgeois

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (39 reviews)

91/100 Robert Parker

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91/100 Vinous

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90/100 James Suckling

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1*Étoile Hachette

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89-90/100 Vert de Vin

generous
harmonious
attractive
cheeses
cru bourgeois
ready to drink

"Immediate pleasure!

"Château Poitevin 2015 has a pleasant, fragrant bouquet of black cherries, blueberries and a touch of incense. The wood is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, very pure and feminine tannins, and a caressing finish on notes of blueberry and blackcurrant. A fine wine! By far the best from this Médoc estate. " (Wine Advocate 2017 - Robert Parker) - Delivery in wooden case for any order of 6 bottles of this wine (Excluding Point Relais delivery method)

Château Les Lilas - Médoc 2016

Wine rated 3.3/5Wine rated 3.3/5Wine rated 3.3/5Wine rated 3.3/5Wine rated 3.3/5

3.3/5 (13 reviews)

Médaille d'Or Concours Elle à Table

round-tipped
charmer
end
ready to drink
top deal

"A gold medal-winning wine for pleasure!

"Splendid, brilliant ruby color. Very fragrant nose: fruity, almost velvety aromas invade the nostrils. Scents reminiscent of black cherry and zan. Charming on the palate, with delicate flesh that fills the mouth with flavors of pits and undergrowth. A long, fresh, salivating finish". (Elle à Table Magazine - Gold Medal)

Château Les Grands Chênes Médoc 2017 - Cru Bourgeois

93/100 Le Figaro

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93/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Yves Beck

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90-91/100 Vert de Vin

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89/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

gourmet
attractive
red meat
cru bourgeois
ready to drink

"Purplish purple. Intense, fresh, fruity bouquet with hints of black berries. Floral touch. Delicious on the palate, with a hint of chocolate. On the palate, the wine is pleasant, balanced and of medium intensity. The tannins are grainy and in symbiosis with the structure. Good freshness on the finish. A gourmet wine that can be enjoyed in its youth, but which nonetheless has potential." (Yves Beck 2018) - Delivered in wooden cases for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (excluding Point Relais delivery).

Château Méric - Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2018

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (7 reviews)

91/100 James Suckling

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90/100 Decanter

cabernet sauvignon
gourmet
user-friendly
cru bourgeois

"An exceptional vintage

"Fresh redcurrant and blackcurrant leaf on the nose. Oyster shell and forest floor too. Medium-bodied with firm, elegant tannins. Notes of bitter chocolate and meat on an austere finish. [...] Wait until 2023 for the wine to soften and come together." (James Suckling 2021). An exceptional vintage for this Médoc Cru Bourgeois, full of gourmet pleasure and conviviality!

Château Amour - Médoc 2016

Wine rated 2.8/5Wine rated 2.8/5Wine rated 2.8/5Wine rated 2.8/5Wine rated 2.8/5

2.8/5 (4 reviews)

91/100 A. Larsson

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Médaille d'Or Terre de Vins

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Médaille d'Or Gilbert & Gaillard

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Médaille de bronze Decanter

cabernet sauvignon
merlot
round-tipped

This Château Amour 2016 has an intense ruby hue with violet highlights. The aromatic range is complex, opening with notes of raspberry and cherry supported by delicate scents of roasting. The finish is remarkably long-lasting, and the tasting concludes with an impression of balance and suppleness typical of this high-quality vintage. The purity of the fruit, the beauty of the vintage - it's a real charm !