Château Larrivaux Haut-Médoc 2012 | Bargain 2012 Bordeaux from Medoc Superstar

If you’ve been holding off on locking in a case of red 2012 Bordeaux, waiting for that killer deal to come along, the moment has arrived. Château Larrivaux Haut-Médoc 2012 delivers the sleeper hit of the Haut-Médoc.  While delivering black fruit power and finesse for just $19.99—the best case price in the U.S.

Larrivaux’s wines are known for their full-bodied elegance, characterized by a juicy black fruit concentration.   Which is always tempered by great structure and silky tannins—a result courtesy of Tesseron and Boissenot—two under-the-radar masters. While bringing the judgment he is valued for at four First Growth estates, Boissenot delivers for this Haut-Médoce estate.  And in 2012 really showing his influence. Château Larrivaux Haut-Médoc 2012 is still gathering momentum.  Most of all drinking beautifully now but capable of aging for another 5-10 years

More amazing Red Wine Gems under $35

Château Larrivaux Haut-Médoc 2012 presents deep ruby in color, with spiced plum, black cherry and creme de cassis notes.  While juicy and elegant on entry, revealing layers of black cherry, black currant, and pretty cedar spice. Yet, this is classic Left Bank wine and a nice sipper for most any occasion.

Château Larrivaux | Down the road from Lafite Rothschild

Château Larrivaux lies just near the border of Saint-Estèphe appellation, two miles from Lafite Rothschild. So, at this legacy estate, generations of women have overseen the 49 acres of vineyards originally planted in 1861. The grape-growing land is divided into three plots, two composed of gravelly soils with deep reserves of clay and the third primarily limestone and clay. It’s an ideal combination that preserves water during rainfall, keeping vines replenished during dry periods and one that invests the wine with layered complexity. Larrivaux’s land is primarily planted to Merlot, a fact that has made this wine one of the shining lights of the tricky 2012 vintage, which favored Merlot-based wines that were harvested before heavy precipitation.

Winemaker Eric Boissenot | Bordeaux’s Secret Weapon

This immaculate library release was fashioned with the help of the discreet Médoc superstar, enologist Eric Boissenot.  A consultant for Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, and Lafite Rothschild and named “Bordeaux’s Secret Weapon” by Wine Spectator.  While he’s renowned for his blending and ability to achieve balance, a virtue that shines through this superb release. Manager Bérangère Tesseron—whose husband owns Château Lafon Rochet—is one of the multiple generations of women who have run the estate, dating back to the 16th century. Wine Enthusiast lauded its black fruit flavors for being “bright, juicy and crisp,” and we believe it is drinking spectacularly well today. Finally, this is a coup for Bordeaux bargain hunters.