Let’s start this month with a couple of screaming values in the world of Bordeaux Blanc. Both these wines come from one of our favorite producers of this under-appreciated zesty white wine region, Denis Dubourdieu. The 2005 Château Reynon Blanc, Graves ($11.99) is full of beeswax, roasted chestnuts and lemon oil. This zippy little number has a lovely weight. It is refreshing and perfect for lighter fish dishes and simple game. But if you need something a bit richer and more serious, the 2005 Clos Floridene Blanc, Graves ($19.99) may just be the wine for you. With its surprising flinty, smoky nature and truck loads of minerality, this is intense stuff. Add some vanilla mousse, clementine and a touch of duck liver pate on the palate, and you have a wine that will age for 5-8 years with ease.
This month’s steal is the 2003 Château Larrivaux, Haut-Medoc ($13.99). At well under $20, this is one of those wines that people will be buying by the case all summer long. Why? Well, with its new-world ripeness of red plum, black raspberry and licorice, this is totally crowd pleasing. Drink now and often. Also this month we have two wonderful offerings from the much forgotten 2001 vintage. The 2001 Château Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac ($38.99) is pure elegance. Wild red berry infused whipped cream comes to mind, silky, ripe and perfect to enjoy now. This finishes with a bit of coffee and fine-grain tannin that keeps everything tied together. If you’re looking for something a bit larger in scope, the 2001 Château Pichon-Baron, Pauillac ($67.99) is perfect. It shows hallmark flavors of tobacco and cedar while also displaying powerful density and concentration of flavor. Gobs of persistent spice, all while being richly fruited—a powerhouse of a wine! —Bryan Brick