Every cuvée we cover tagged dinner party, narrowed to Bordeaux. 52 cuvées.
Dry · Medium-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Refreshing
White wine of Mouton Rothschild from 7 hectares of sandy-gravelly soils, reviving a historic Medoc tradition. Rich and complex; Sauvignon Blanc provides drive while Semillon adds texture; partial barrel fermentation contributes subtle vanilla without overwhelming fruit.
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 · Savoury
Originally the second wine of Pavie, now an independent brand since 2018 sourced from a dedicated 11-hectare east-plateau parcel. Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend of medium body with dark cherry, espresso and salty-mineral character; approachable on release.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium acidity · Elegant · Refreshing
Single-plot Semillon from 75-year-old vines in a three-hectare block; the house premium white. Dry and elegant with the waxy, textured Semillon character that recalls white Pessac-Leognan at a fraction of the price. Anne Krebiehl MW-praised.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Bauduc's premium red from a single Bordeaux Superieur block: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in small barrels for added structure. Anne Krebiehl MW describes it as juicy, plush, and beautifully open with oak-kissed fruit.
Dry · Medium-bodied · High acidity · Refreshing · Elegant
Historically one of the first white wines produced by a Grand Cru Classe in the Medoc. Primarily Sauvignon Blanc driven with Semillon body; partially barrel-fermented but retains freshness through tank-vinified component.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
The second wine of Lafite shares the elegance and lead-pencil signature of the grand vin but with a higher Merlot component lending earlier approachability. Floral aromatic lift distinguishes it from heavier second wines.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
The second wine of Ausone, sourced from the youngest Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines on the same limestone hillside. Crisp, elegant and unmistakably mineral, with a fruity register that opens earlier than the grand vin.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Rustic
Lynch-Bages consistently overperforms its Fifth Growth classification. A richer, more extrovert Pauillac than the first-growths, with cassis generosity, smoky tobacco, and a robust structure that ages beautifully over 20-30 years.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Rustic
One of Saint-Estephe's most consistent and value-oriented estates, Meyney produces full-bodied, tannic wines with a distinctive spice and dark berry character. Notable for its high Petit Verdot content (10%) contributing structure and aromatic complexity.
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 · High acidity · Elegant · Refreshing
A classified Graves white from one of Bordeaux's most historic estates. Sauvignon Blanc leads with fresh pink grapefruit and lime blossom; Semillon adds body and Sauvignon Gris a distinctive floral note. 100% new oak fermentation produces a rich, mineral, long-lived dry white.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Savoury
Francois Mitjavile's Cotes de Bourg cult wine, modelled on the exacting principles of his Saint-Emilion estate Tertre-Roteboeuf: very late harvesting, low yields, and 100% new oak since 1996. Pushed the Cotes de Bourg to its quality ceiling.
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 · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
The flagship Fronsac estate red from 60 hectares on clay-limestone soils above the Dordogne. Merlot-led and supple with dark chocolate and ripe cherry; aged in spectacular 16th-century underground cellars at constant 13 degrees.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
The benchmark Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel of Moulis: Cabernet-dominant with dark fruit, pencil lead and licorice, offering genuine structure and ageing potential well beyond its humble classification.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
The largest single vineyard in the Médoc produces an consistently approachable, fruit-forward Haut-Médoc with a well-balanced structure and excellent everyday drinkability at an accessible price.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Bold
The great unclassified Médoc: Sociando-Mallet produces wines of classed-growth quality from Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, with muscular Cabernet-Merlot structure, minty cassis, and a distinctive saline minerality.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Savoury
A revived Fifth Growth finding its stride under the Merlaut family: Cabernet-forward Haut-Médoc structure with dark fruit, cedar and characteristic menthol freshness from deep gravel soils near Saint-Julien.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
A cuvée in its own right rather than a simple second wine: structured Saint-Julien Cabernet with its own distinct terroir personality from western parcels of the estate, offering outstanding value relative to the grand vin.
Dry · Medium-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Refreshing
One of the most prestigious white Bordeaux wines from Saint-Estephe, produced from a 10-hectare dedicated white wine parcel. Fresh, vibrant, and barrel-fermented; the Sauvignon Blanc drive and Semillon texture achieve remarkable complexity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Elegant
Second wine of Chateau Canon (formerly Clos Canon, rebranded Croix Canon from the 2012 vintage). Elegant, medium-bodied with mint, cherry and floral character; structured enough for 10+ years but designed for earlier pleasure.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Second wine of Lynch-Bages since 2007 (previously sold as Chateau Haut-Bages Averous). Higher Merlot component than the grand vin provides accessible fruit and earlier drinking; retains characteristic Lynch-Bages tobacco and cassis signature.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
The accessible second wine of Clinet from estate vines, made to reveal its qualities early. Smooth-textured, fruit-driven Pomerol Merlot with approachable tannins and genuine ageing potential without requiring long cellaring.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
The approachable second wine of Chasse-Spleen from the Moulis AOC: Merlot-driven, with enticing red fruit and soft tannins, ready to enjoy without extended cellaring.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Savoury · Elegant
The second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, incorporating grapes from younger vines and since 2006 from the former La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard. Shares the Talence gravel terroir; accessible dark fruit with cedar and spice, drinkable earlier than the grand vin.
Dessert · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Festive
The second sweet wine of Lafaurie-Peyraguey, sharing the estate's Bommes terroir and high Semillon content. White peach, apricot, and lemon cream notes lead a direct, energetic palate with mellow sweetness balanced by lively acidity. More accessible in youth than the grand vin.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing
The second wine of Château Camensac, prioritising freshness and supple tannins from younger vine selections. Light and immediately appealing with characteristic Haut-Médoc menthol freshness.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Bold
Powerful and silky with aromatic richness; introduces the Borie house style at an accessible level with plush berry fruit and balanced oak spice.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
The Merlot-dominant second wine of Sociando-Mallet, offering earlier approachability with a more typically Médoc fruit profile than the austere and structured grand vin.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
The accessible, Merlot-dominant second selection from Vieux Chateau Certan, made from younger vines and less-selected barrels. Forward, fruit-driven, and approachable early but retaining the estate's hallmark iron-mineral signature.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
An elegant and approachable expression of Saint-Julien from younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion giving early accessibility and soft ripe fruit.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
The second wine of Angelus, Merlot-dominant with a forward, polished character. Bright red fruit, soft spice and floral tones make it approachable younger than the grand vin while retaining the estate's Merlot generosity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Savoury
The second red of Haut-Brion, renamed from Bahans Haut-Brion in 2007. Merlot-dominated in most vintages with the same Pessac terroir as the grand vin, but more approachable in youth, showing red plum, blueberry, and mineral freshness.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
The second red wine of Pape Clement since 1986. Merlot-dominant for approachability; round red cherry and currant fruit with cedar and soft spice notes. Designed for earlier drinking than the grand vin while reflecting the same Pessac terroir.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Third wine of Latour produced since 1989. Merlot-dominant and made primarily from young vines; developed for the restaurant market as a generously fruity, earlier-drinking Pauillac.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Easygoing
The second wine of Cheval Blanc: same terroir and typicity as the grand vin but in a more accessible, forward style. Charming black-fruit and cedar profile, silky tannins, and an earlier drinking window.
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 · Elegant
The official second wine of Léoville-Las Cases since 2007, Merlot-dominant for earlier accessibility while retaining the Saint-Julien precision of the parent estate.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold
Made specifically from younger vines harvested earlier to preserve freshness. Le Petit Mouton shows a younger, more approachable face of the Mouton house style: cassis-driven, with cedar and gentle tobacco, earlier-drinking but still structured.
Dessert · Full-bodied · High acidity · Elegant · Festive
The second sweet wine of Chateau Rieussec, named after the Carmelite monks who founded the estate. Shares the same high-Semillon blend and botrytised character as the grand vin, with apricot, candied ginger, saffron, and orange blossom in a sweeter, more approachable style.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold
Second wine of Latour from peripheral L'Enclos plots and younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion than the grand vin. Retains Latour's mineral iron signature at a fraction of the price.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Elegant
Premium second wine of Pichon Baron introduced with the 2012 vintage. Merlot-dominant versus the Cabernet-heavy grand vin; since 2020, partially aged in amphora to add minerality and texture without excessive oak.
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 · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Savoury
Second wine of Cos d'Estournel since 1994; previously sold as Marbuzet. Shows a more Merlot-forward profile than the grand vin, with the estate's distinctive spice character in a more accessible format.
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 · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Second wine of Troplong Mondot, Merlot-dominant with emphasis on freshness and early drinkability. A juicy, earthy black cherry and spring flower profile with wet-stone limestone terroir character; approachable and unpretentious.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Romantic
Exquisite second wine of the most famous first growth, sharing the same subtle power and floral finesse as the grand vin while offering earlier accessibility.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
The renamed second wine of Beau-Sejour Becot (formerly Tournelle de Beau-Sejour Becot), renamed Petit Becot in 2012. Merlot-dominant with fresh red cherry character and gentle tannin; designed for early drinking pleasure.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Easygoing
The second wine of Chateau Figeac, one of the oldest second wines on the Right Bank (first produced 1945). Shares the same Cabernet-influenced gravel terroir and blending trio as the grand vin but from younger vines; lighter, more refined and more accessible earlier.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Second wine of Chateau Meyney since 1979, named for the estate's 17th-century priory origins. Produced from younger vines (approximately 35-40 years) using minimal new oak to preserve fresh fruit character; a reliable everyday Saint-Estephe.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Elegant
Second wine of Pichon Lalande since 1973. Described by the estate as a true Pauillac brand in its own right. Higher Petit Verdot proportion adds structure and spice; the estate's characteristic silk texture is detectable even at this level.