Biodynamic in Bordeaux

Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold

Not a second wine but a distinct cuvée emphasising freshness and fruit intensity over the grand vin's power: Margaux character with more immediate expression, distinguished by its energy and precision.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity

100% Merlot Fronsac from the 4.5-hectare Haut-Lariveau parcel acquired by the Hubau family in 1990. More approachable and fruit-forward than its Canon-Fronsac sibling, farmed with the same biodynamic discipline.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Unique Pomerol with an equal Cabernet Franc-Merlot split giving a perfumed floral lift and structural precision rarely seen in the appellation. Biodynamic farming since 2014; produced from just 4.5 hectares on the Pomerol plateau.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury

The benchmark Canon-Fronsac red from 6.75 hectares of 65-year-average-age vines, farmed biodynamically and organically. Merlot with 5% Malbec produces a fragrant, perfumed wine with remarkable freshness for the Right Bank.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative

The leading biodynamic estate in Bordeaux and the only Fifth Growth that regularly receives 100-point scores. Demeter-certified since 2014; unique use of amphorae alongside barrique ageing. The wines combine Pauillac's classical structure with a biodynamic freshness and earth energy not found elsewhere in the Medoc.

Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Refreshing

A consistently top-rated Pessac-Leognan white dominated by Sauvignon Blanc with distinctive Sauvignon Gris character. Honeyed grapefruit, crushed stone, and elderflower on the nose; vibrant citrus and mineral freshness on the palate. Frequently earns 95-98 points in recent vintages.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Contemplative · Bold

A benchmark Pessac-Leognan Cabernet since the Cathiard family's acquisition in 1990. Cassis, graphite, and tobacco define a precise, structured palate; 60% new oak ageing adds cedar and spice. Consistent 97-98 point scores in recent vintages.

Dessert · Full-bodied · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

The world's most celebrated botrytised sweet wine; the sole Premier Cru Superieur in the 1855 Sauternes classification. Semillon-dominant with intense noble-rot character: beeswax, saffron, apricot, and honey balanced by electric acidity. Ages for decades and improves for 50 or more years in great vintages.

Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

Classified Third Growth performing at first-growth level: extraordinary richness from an unusually high Merlot proportion, with Thomas Duroux's biodynamic conversion delivering added aromatic complexity and freshness.

Dry · Medium-bodied · High acidity · Refreshing · Easygoing

The second white wine of Smith Haut Lafitte. Sauvignon Blanc-driven with Semillon adding roundness; lime tree, verbena, and citrus oil aromas lead a fresh, floral palate with elderflower and white peach. Vibrant acidity makes it an excellent aperitif and shellfish partner.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Savoury

The second red wine of Smith Haut Lafitte, sharing the estate's Martillac gravel terroir. A Cabernet-Sauvignon-led blend with cassis, fresh herbs, and pencil-shaving notes in an approachable medium-bodied style suitable for earlier drinking.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic

Second wine of Pontet-Canet since 1982. Produced in limited quantities as Alfred Tesseron prefers lower yields and declassification over large second-wine production; earlier-drinking, approachable Pauillac from biodynamic-certified vineyards.

Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative

Produced from a separate 0.8-hectare crescent parcel with deeper soils, Les Pensees is not a second wine but a distinct expression of the Lafleur terroir. More Merlot-forward than the grand vin, with the same biodynamic farming and iron-mineral character.

Dry · Full-bodied · High acidity · Contemplative · Elegant

The singular dry white wine of Chateau d'Yquem, made only in years when the estate decides against a botrytised grand vin or in addition to it. Sauvignon Blanc-dominant, barrel-fermented in 50% new oak, offering honeyed citrus, white peach, and mineral depth unique to the Sauternes terroir.