Tasty Bordeaux Bargains from $12.99 to $49.99!
Did you know that there are over 6,000 wineries in Bordeaux? While the big names get most of the attention, there is serious deliciousness and extreme value to be had from the smaller properties, if you know where to look.
Today we bring you four impressive reds from lesser-known Bordeaux estates, each with impressive reviews, and each priced from $12.99 to $49.99. Read on for the details, and for a crack at Count Stephan von Neipperg's flamboyant 95-Point Bordeaux Blanc, then hit that Order Button below while supplies last!
2023 Château Thomas
Francs Côte de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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A high amplitude Right Bank Bordeaux packed with dark fruits and serious structure, and it sells for a song. Wine Enthusiast quotes $45, which seems a bit off. Our price is spot on!
“Under the same family for four generations, this estate has produced a ripe blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A licorice aroma and a spicy character show the wood aging stage of this wine. The black fruits and still-firm tannins need time. Drink from 2026.”
- 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast (4/1/2024)
"Rich plums with touches of baked cherries, minerals and sweet spices on the nose. Ripe and juicy, with a medium body and firm tannins. Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Drink now.”
- 90 Points, James Suckling (11/27/2024)
Vin Chicago Price: 12.99
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2023 Château Vrai Canon Bouché
Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
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Located on a single 12-hectare, clay/limestone soiled parcel in the Canon-Fronsac subzone, the Vrai Canon Bouché estate is a hidden gem. The 92-Point Wine Spectator review is quite impressive, especially for the price. Lay this in your cellar for a few years, then dig in!
“Restrained and refined, with a fine-grained structure. Subtle, chalky mineral and gently smoldering tobacco and chestnut notes support a core of red currant and black cherry compote flavors. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2033.”
- 92 Points, Wine Spectator (4/30/2026)
"This wine has depth and ripe black fruits. It is full-bodied, its rich tannins supporting blackberry flavors and a succulent texture. The wine, with its black coffee aroma, is likely to be ready from 2028.”
- 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast (5/1/2026)
Vin Chicago Price: 22.99
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2022 Château Moulin Haut-Laroque
Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
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At a property two miles north-northeast of Vrai Canon Bouché, the Hervé family operates Château Moulin Haut-Laroque. Tied as Wine Spectator's top-rated Fronsac of the vintage, it is an outstanding wine and a great value from this satellite zone.
“A nicely buried chalky spine lets fleshy-edged notes of black currant and black cherry lead the way. Light alder, chestnut and savory accents underscore the finish and lend an old-school hint. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2026 through 2035.”
- 93 Points, Wine Spectator (12/5/2024)
"Ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, cloves, licorice and hints of wet earth on the nose lead to a medium- to full-bodied palate that offers creamy, mouth-filling tannins, impressive fruit concentration and a dry, earthy aftertaste. 65% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec. Try from 2028.”
- 92 Points, James Suckling (1/8/2025)
Vin Chicago Price: 32.99
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2018 Chateau Mangot "Todeschini Distique 11"
Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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The oldest wine in today's email, this parcel-selection bottling from Château Mangot is just now entering the early stages of its prime drinking window. Only three cases available today, at a price that beats every listing on the planet!
“A unique blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Château Mangot Todeschini Distique 11 has a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, cassis, acacia flowers, white chocolate, and graphite. With fabulous purity of fruit, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and loads of floral and sappy herb aromas and flavors, this is gorgeous Saint-Emilion and the finest I've tasted from this address. It needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep two decades or more. Maturity: 2025 - 2045.”
- 95+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck (3/11/2021)
“The 2018 Distique 11 is laced with inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and mint. Pliant and supple, this inviting, mid-weight Saint-Émilion has a lot to offer. The racy style is undeniably appealing. The 2018 is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon taken from select parcels on the estate and aged in amphora. It is an undeniably intriguing wine. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2038.”
- 93 Point, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (3/2021)
Vin Chicago Price: 49.99
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Plus a Flamboyant 95-Point Bordeaux Blanc!
2022 Clos Marsalette Blanc
Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
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An exotic Bordeaux Blanc here from the talented hands of the dashing Count Stephan von Neipperg. When we read the gobsmacking Wine Spectator review, we reached out to our contacts in Bordeaux to get a supply imported. It appears that we're the only ones in the country to have it. Allow a few minutes for this to breathe, then kick back and enjoy!
“Flamboyant and showy, this throws off waves of white nectarine, apricot, white peach and lemon gelée, with secondary hints of anise, pineapple and bitter orange. Rich and viscous, but with tensile strength as a quinine spine pierces the mouthwatering finish. Distinctive. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2030.”
- 95 Points, Wine Spectator (2/5/2025)
Vin Chicago Price: 32.99
