The Somms Suggestions - Sunday Auction October 27th
Here's a shortcut to some interesting finds at this week’s Sunday auction.
The suggestions are personally curated by me, ShareWine’s Sommelier, based on a theme, single vineyard, or vintage that deserves to be highlighted.
Best regards,
Olivia Topp
Sommelier & Content Manager
Hit the bidding- and drinking window in one smash
There are great offerings on the marketplace right now for all Bordeaux lovers. In the past week, all five of the magical Bordeaux first growth wines have been available for sale, and there’s really good reason to keep an eye on the Bordeaux category during the upcoming Sunday auction of this weekend.
Several rare offers on some of the best Bordeaux "Super Seconds" are currently within reach.
Second to none value
"Super Seconds" is a relatively recent term, and while there are various interpretations of its meaning, a common definition refers to it as an informal designation for Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé producers that consistently outperform their original classification and deliver quality on par with the first growths. Not too bad, huh!
This is why many believe these wines should be entitled to first growth status. As if the 1855 Grand Cru Classé classification would ever be updated.
In other words, these wines are generally regarded as delivering "above their range" in terms of quality compared to their official classification, yet they remain at a price point that (thankfully) allows for comparison with the very expensive first growth estates.
Among the upcoming Sunday’s auctions, I have selected five "Super Seconds," featuring several rare older vintages, which you can make great deals on. And even better, which I am confident will offer exceptional wine experiences!
My recommendations
#1 Château Montrose 1997
In the northern part of Bordeaux's left bank, we find the 2nd growth producer Château Montrose, the jewel of Saint-Estèphe. The wines from here are dark, intense, and full of character, making them incredibly long-lasting.
You’ll experience a classic Saint-Estèphe expression with plenty of dark fruit and smoke. With 27 years of age, the Château Montrose 1997 is ready to be enjoyed and will pair excellently with dinners or tastings this autumn. It offers high quality at a price significantly below that of first growths.
#2 Château Lynch Bages 2005
The year 1855 is a long time ago, and Lynch Bages (5th growth) would likely be placed differently in the classification if it were updated today. Château Lynch Bages produces exceptional Bordeaux wine and is an excellent representative of the Pauillac style. It is a powerful and intense wine that requires some aging and rarely disappoints when it reaches its drinking maturity. This Sunday, you will find Château Lynch Bages in a great vintage and in a MAGNUM size — don't miss the 2005 vintage in a 6L format!
View auction here
#3 Château Baron de Pichon-Longueville 2001
Staying in Pauillac, you can also get your hands on the 2nd growth producer Château Baron de Pichon-Longueville. This producer has a long and fascinating history and approaches every aspect of wine production with extreme professionalism, which is reflected in the wine itself. The wines from Château Baron de Pichon-Longueville are robust and age-worthy, developing a wealth of interesting secondary notes over time, which you will undoubtedly find in the 2001 vintage that is up for auction this Sunday.
#4 Châtaeu Ducru-Beaucaillou 2010
In Saint-Julien, a bit further south, we find the iconic (though not so easy to spell) 2nd growth producer. The wines from Château Ducru-Beaucaillou are renowned for their impressive elegance and finesse, and they develop immense complexity over time. Here, you can expect a plethora of interesting notes in both aroma and flavor, making it a wine you can truly immerse yourself in. This Sunday, the 2010 vintage is up for auction — a great and truly interesting vintage that is rarely seen on the market.
#5 Château Palmer 1999
The status of Château Palmer as a 3rd growth seems almost unfair to many Bordeaux lovers because when Palmer performs, "super" is truly an understatement. Château Palmer embodies all the characteristics one loves from Margaux—elegant and feminine wines—but it feels like Palmer has an extra gear when it comes to flavor. Simply put, it is an extraordinary wine, and this Sunday, the 1999 vintage is up for auction.