Château Lalande-Borie Saint-Julien 2016

While many collectors focus their attention solely on the classified growths of the Médoc, the savvy drinker knows that some of the greatest rewards in Bordeaux are found just next door. Château Lalande-Borie was born in 1970 when Jean-Eugène Borie—of the legendary Ducru-Beaucaillou family—purchased a choice 30-hectare plot in the western reaches of St.-Julien. Today, this estate benefits from the same meticulous winemaking team and pedigree as its “super-second” sibling, offering a window into the elegance of the appellation at a fraction of the price.

The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux is already being whispered about as a modern legend, and this bottling shows why. It is a wine of remarkable harmony and poise. On the nose, it reveals an inviting bouquet of ripe cassis, black cherries, and violets, underpinned by subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and a touch of smoky tobacco.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and strikingly supple. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, providing a seamless structure that supports a core of succulent dark fruit and refreshing acidity. It possesses that classic St.-Julien “crunch”—a vibrancy that makes it incredibly food-friendly.

Technical Notes:

Grapes: A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Cabernet Franc.

Aging: 12 months in French oak (roughly 30% new).

Cellaring: While approachable now with a decant, this has the stuffing to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years.