Vintages with a bit of oomph...
(Image credit: Getty Images / Laurent Meister / 500px)
In recent years we have examined the decennial anniversaries of Bordeaux vintages that have yielded a broad spectrum of success from the ‘unlucky number 4’ to the spectacular ‘rule of 5’.
This year, looking back at vintages ending in ‘6’ has been far more interesting than I imagined at first glance.
Get our daily fine wine reviews, latest wine ratings, news and travel guides delivered straight to your inbox.
My wines

Completely intoxicating, with amazing lift and elegance on the nose, layered with dark fruit that is utterly captivating. The palate is delicately balanced, with very...
2016
BordeauxFrance
Château Calon SégurSt-Estèphe
My wines

Slightly closed initially, showing a very appealing herbaceous perfume. The palate is elegant, supremely silky and perfectly balanced, with super-fine tannins integrated seamlessly. Poised and...
2016
BordeauxFrance
Château LafleurPomerol
My wines

Shows intoxicating and lifted aromas of dark fruit with subtle spice and elegant herbal nuances, poised and inviting on the nose. The palate is balanced...
2016
BordeauxFrance
Château Durfort VivensMargaux
My wines

Beautiful concentration on the nose. Absolutely classic Pichon if slightly muted initially. There are signs of evolution here but time is still required to reach...
2006
BordeauxFrance
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de LalandePauillac
My wines

With a short decant this Montrose 1996 is open and ready for business. There is something so perfectly classic about this wine that screams its...
1996
BordeauxFrance
Château MontroseSt-Estèphe
My wines

It is impossible to imagine a more 'classical Pauillac' than 1996 Lynch-Bages. Having following this wine for over two decades it is now firing on...
1996
BordeauxFrance
Château Lynch-BagesPauillac
My wines

For the last two decades I have been perplexed by this wine. In that time it has not moved an inch. It is a wine...
1986
BordeauxFrance
Château Léoville Las CasesSt-Julien
My wines

I've always loved this wine. In the past I have found it combines the beautiful opulence of old Gruaud-Larose with the structure of the vintage....
1986
BordeauxFrance
Château Gruaud-LaroseSt-Julien
My wines

There is a frail structure here that still has elements of ripe fruit. Marked slightly by the heat of the vintage. The palate is medium...
1976
BordeauxFrance
Château Duhart-MilonPauillac
My wines

A slight variation in the four bottles purchased at auction. Still a lovely deep core to the wine. Initially a little dusty on the nose,...
1966
BordeauxFrance
Château Gruaud-LaroseSt-Julien
Gareth Birchley is buying director at London-based Burns & German Vintners. He started in wine in 2006 at Bordeaux Index before moving to Berry Bros & Rudd as a fine wine buyer for four years, joining Burns & German in 2019.
| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyond the bubbles: Inside the lives of Champagne's cellar masters | 0 | 7.79 | 07-09-2026 |
| 2 | The smart buyer's guide to... Malbec | 0 | 6.69 | 28-09-2026 |
| 3 | Expert's Choice: 18 scintillating South American sparkling wines | 0 | 16.04 | 28-09-2026 |
| 4 | Cru Mendoza: Three terroirs where Argentine wine is being taken to new heights | 0 | 8.1 | 14-09-2026 |
| 5 | Eight producers leading Pommard’s winemaking renaissance | 0 | 7.16 | 28-09-2026 |
| 6 | Beyond Nebbiolo: Have you discovered these five underdog grapes from Piedmont? | 0 | 8.79 | 02-09-2026 |
| 7 | Forgotten France: The Provençal vineyards that inspired Van Gogh | 0 | 10 | 14-09-2026 |
| 8 | Dream Destination: Château la Commaraine in Pommard, Burgundy | 0 | 10 | 03-09-2026 |
| 9 | Michelin ranks Bordeaux châteaux in new ‘grapes’ selection | 0 | 15.26 | 17-09-2026 |
| 10 | Beyond the Paardeberg: Meet the winemakers shaking things up in Swartland's rugged north | 0 | 8.86 | 21-09-2026 |