Villambis Haut-Médoc 2015 | Best Buy Bordeaux | Bravo!

Limpid and brilliant ruby. Youthful but savory aromas of fresh red currant, damson plum, cedar, tobacco, and mixed herbs waft from the glass. Leading with a fleshy core of plum fruits.  While the mouthfeel is lush, with plush tannins balanced by a seam of fresh acidity. Medium-bodied, this classic claret is an exceptional value to discerning consumers of elegant, restrained wines.  Drink Villambis Haut-Médoc 2015 now-2025.

More Sensational Cellar Selections

90 Wine Advocate | Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois annual tasting, the Villambis Haut-Médoc 2015 has a fresh, crisp nose of summer fruit, sage, and tobacco that leaps from the glass. I like the energy conveyed by this Haut-Médoc. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and supple tannin, well-judged acidity.  Plus good depth and some lovely, caressing black fruit on the finish that lingers in the mouth. This is a well-crafted Haut-Médoc to savor over the next decade. Bravo.

Cissac-Médoc | Socially Responsible Vineyards

Villambis Haut-Médoc 2015 hails from the village of Cissac-Médoc, just west of the more famous village of Pauillac. Brilliant ruby in color, saturated with ripe red fruit framed with cedar.  In addition, boasting a luscious plum core buttressed by firm tannins. As a result, this is Médoc excellence without the hefty price tag of its Pauillac neighbors.

So that superb Médoc structure is the product of vineyard director Philippe de Roeck’s management of 37 acres of vines.  Most of all ensconced in Haut-Médoc’s sandy limestone-rich soil, a stone’s throw from Pauillac. Every detail is intentional, including who works the fields. The winery is classified as an Etablissement et Service d’Aide par le Travail.  An important social program enabling people with learning disabilities to work in vineyards and wine cellars.

Château de Villambis | AOC Haut Médoc, Cru Bourgeois

First, the atmosphere at Villambis is relaxed but busy.  And there are always plenty of people around.  Most noticeably, there is a tangible positive energy between the co-workers, who undertake everything from pruning to picking and packaging. Furthermore, they even like to get involved in label design through an annual art competition.  This via the Prix Villambis, whose winning artist sees their work reproduced on the back of the bottle.

So this vibe can also be found in the wines which are fresh and supple.  While the Merlot-dominated blend making them approachable when young but able to age for a decade or more.   Most of all, they are drinking wines, designed to give pleasure.   In addition, to accompany the typical cuisine of the southwest, red meats, cheese, salad.  Or of course the local specialty, magret de canard.