Cheap & Chic

When anyone says Bordeaux wines are no longer in fashion I want to laugh. (You hear this a lot in France and among wine people, btw.)
Why aren’t Bordeaux wines in fashion? Because they’re old school and traditional and aren’t as overpriced and impossible to find in the U.S. like so many Burgundies? I love a beautiful Pinot Noir from Burgundy. But, saying Bordeaux is out of fashion is like saying Chanel is out of style. Some things are just classic, elegant, and always cool.

This 2020 Château Prieuré-Lichine is a perfect example of what I love about Bordeaux blends. It’s a stunning Margaux that I bought for just $39.97. (It’s currently $44.99 on wine.com ). It’s a Grand Cru Classé en 1855—which means it made the list of the 60 best Bordeaux wines for the 3rd Universal Exposition of Paris in 1855. That’s some history for just $45! It has great dark fruit like blackberry and cassis, and an almost herby finish. It smells a little like pencil (this is common with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and has really fabulous acidity and smooth but grainy tannins that will keep this wine going for years to come.

It was wonderful with prosciutto and cheese. I look forward to having more of it with steak or a beef stew made with bay leaves and herbes de Provence…something wintery, warm, and delicious.

Some things to know about Bordeaux blends:
They are typically a combo of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with some Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Bordeaux has a Left Bank and a Right Bank.
Right Bank wines are typically Merlot dominant blends.
Left Bank wines are mostly Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you ever forget that, remember: your left hand can curve to make a “C”.

This wine is from Margaux.
Margaux is on the Left Bank, so it’s mostly Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is 50% Cab, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
If Margaux sounds familiar that’s because it’s pretty famous and is home to the legendary Château Margaux.

And some people say Bordeaux isn’t fashionable!!!!