WOW was all I could say when I stuck my big nose inside the glass of the 2020 Chateau de L'Orangerie Bordeaux Superieur. This is some serious Bordeaux and a very complete red wine at a super attractive price. A ton of wine for the money, it also comes from an 8th generation, family-run estate that takes great pride in their craft.
Boasting a moderately deep color along with wonderful purity and surprising complexity, this is a wonderful wine and a tremendous value. It's been a hot minute since we've featured a Bordeaux, but his one really jumped out of the glass and grabbed us. Keep reading, but be warned, we bought our distributor's last 10 cases.
2020 Chateau de L'Orangerie Bordeaux Superieur
Rich and ripe with spiced plum, dark currant, cocoa, and more. 93 points - Yours Truly
ORDER NOW in our online store.
If you love wine, and you live in Western North Carolina, you have certainly met Richard McKinney of Tryon Distributing. He is a legend in these parts, he's a friend, and he's one of my most trusted reps. When he texts me after working hours with a wine recommendation, I take notice, as he doesn't do it too often. Richard has a love for and knowledge of Bordeaux that is informed by nearly 30 years of experience, and he nailed it on the head with this one.
This is very fine Bordeaux, classically styled, at a great price. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from 30+ year-old estate vineyards, it is what we like to call a "Cellar Protector." You can drink this NOW while you are waiting for your Classified Growths, Napa Cabs, and Barolos are aging and getting better. It's deliciously drinkable, but it also has a degree of complexity rarely found in wines at this price point.
From the chalky-clay and sand soils of Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux's largest appellation, not all Bordeaux from here is created equally. This is not only the largest appellation, it is also the largest production zone, and there are many sub-par, uninspiring wines produced by large cooperatives and commercial producers. Chateau L'Orangerie stands in stark contrast -- this is a family-run domaine that traces its roots back to 1790. Still family owned and operated, you can smell and taste that family pride in their wine.
One sniff, and you know this couldn't be from any place but Bordeaux. Spicy, slightly earthy, and savory, this is no fruit bomb. There is ripe fruit here, in the form of plum, dark cherry, and blackberry, but that glorious fruit is balanced by those more complex, secondary nuances. Medium to full bodied and supple on the palate, this finishes long and satisfying, with a lasting vanilla-spice note. It won't make "old bones," but you can feel comfortable drinking through 2028.
I am not traditionally a "Bordeaux guy," but wines like this are changing that viewpoint. This is a no-brainer folks, and I highly recommend you take advantage of the six-pack pricing. You won't regret it! Serve this with any sort of meat off the grill, roasted potatoes, and a nice salad.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville