One of the best things I find about Bordeaux is the fact that it's considerable size leads to many bargains amongst the non glitterati Chateau. There are literally 1000's of estates needing to sell their wares & this hot competition means they are forced to be reasonable with their pricing. However, one does have to be really careful in this area and there are plenty of below par (rubbish!) wines that you have to wade through to get to the jewels. Thankfully, I'm more than prepared to stoically trawl through a sea of green (Beatles lyric?), thin, acidic, unpromising liquid so that you've no need to. I feel rewarded when 2 or 3 gems pop out of a 100 wine tasting. A jolt of excitement hits me when my palate is hit by something fine for peanuts! This year I had more time in Bordeaux, (and in London since my return) to have a wider look at what's around so below, FYI, are a few that made my shortlist. An important thing to remember is that although these wines may still be widely available in future, to make them attractive as futures, the Bordelais knock off a few € at En Primeur time. If we wait until they are bottled, they cost a bit more which can mount up over multiple cases. When the EP window is closed, that's it till the next vintage. Therefore it's worth considering adding some of these wines now;
I was pleased to see that one of my consistent favourite Petit Chateau, La Vieille Cure from Fronsac didn't let me down in 2010. I loved the 05 & 09 big time & I'm again charmed by this years offering. It's gorgeous, supple, licoricey Claret that can be approached earlier than the classified growths, but will also take on complexity in the cellar. It's the sort of price (£150 ish) where one can afford to own the 09 AND 10 to compare & contrast.
Here's hoping they stick with the value after the massive RP score …91-93pts...argggh! That's very much more expensive wine territory. Another wine that's used to being in expensive territory, but isn't expensive itself, is Chateau Bernadotte from Haut Medoc. This is made by the team at Ch Pichon Lalande and is subsequently always shown side by side with this lofty wine…perhaps not always a good idea as it's never going to quite perform like PL. In fact, I always seem to mark it highly & forget about it because my mind is turned by the star wine. However, this year I really want to bring it to your attention and recommend it as a good buy. It's complex, fresh smokey, well balanced with more immediate fruit than the PL…ie you can drink it way before. A huge 17/20 from JR supports my claim I think. "Neat" as she puts. Indeed. 
Chateau Beaumont from the Haut Medoc was the first 2010 I took on & has proved pretty popular so far with the TBC massive. For £95 per 12 it's a considerable bargain and the sort of price that could never constitute much of a mistake? Plenty of fruit and fine tannic velvet crush. A 16.5/20 mark from Jancis (ie it's not just me!) seals the deal. Magnums pour moi! Chateau Senejac is also a Haut Medoc to consider in 2010. I last bought it in 04 but always mean to come back to this excellent Claret. I recently tasted the 08, 09 & 10 & would frankly be happy with any of those in my cellar. Also 16.5 from JR & 87-90 from Sir Robert for the brilliant 2010.
In St Estephe Chateau Serilhan is worth your attention. I tasted this at Chateau Angelus in St Emilion where winemaker Hubert de Bouard was also presenting some of the other estates he consults on. Some of these were superb & I spent a good amount of time going through them. I actually regretted doing that a bit when my palate was a bit spent by the time I arrived at the Angelus sample! Still…Serilhan revealed itself to be a considerable charmer with a rich cassis nose & fresh mouthfeel. RP 90-92 pts…lets watch the price with that score! I picked a few others too by Hubert. 
Chateau Daugay, a St Emilion Grand Cru 2010 is a successful wine. Well balanced & not too hot like many St Emilions. Sweet, spicy & enticing this is an inexpensive winner. 88-90RP pts. Likewise Chateau De Pressac with plenty of berry fruit & toasty oak. Again, I can't see it being too pricey. From Lussac St Emilion I unearthed the quite delicious Chateau Lyonnat who's special cuvee "Emotion" was rich, but so well put together. Almost like a denser Pomerol. I'm not sure if we'll see this wine En Primeur but I've certainly made a note to come back to it at some point. In the meantime check their website at www.chateaulyonnat.com .
There's a few more I'd like to mention. 2 from Lalande de Pomerol. Firstly Ch De Chambrun, which I have been enjoying for a few years and may decide to jump on in 2010. This is probably the finest example of the appellation and actually out performs many Pomerols. It's usually around £200 a case &, if so again, I think it could be worth a punt. It's so rich & succulent this year. Big, but poised to age well with the red & black fruit, coffee, mocha & cherry liqueur notes. Just a notch below, but a considerably cheaper Lalande de Pomerol, is Ch Perron La Fleur which totally rocks in 2010. A sweeter, jammier prospect with plush, plumpy tannins and a long finish that somewhat took me by surprise when I was 'wading through'. Back in St Emilion, do make a note of checking out Chateau Boutisse when you get the chance. I chatted with the owner & young wine maker (his son?) and was then mightily impressed by their well made wine. A welcoming, fresh Claret with all the fruits of the forest, hint of capsicum & cassis hit. A St Emilion Grand Cru to have for everyday drinking at around £12 a bottle. Price tbc. No brainer if it remains in that realm.
I wasn't overly blown away by the Graves dry whites this year, but I did adore the Ch Chatergrive 'Cuvee Caroline' Blanc. This is one to buy if well priced (quite likely!) An impressive white wine, not dissimilar to the TBC fave 'G' de Guiraud. It displays quite unctuous, vibrant acidity with honeysuckle and fresh flowers on the nose. Robert Parker thinks it's great (88-90 pts) but best for early consumption. I actually disagree with that and think it may age a wee bit too…it's fat enough. Up to you really. I going to watch out for it as I think it's well worth owning.
Finally a wee word about the Medoc Chateau Labadie 2010. I didn't taste it in Bordeaux but at the recent Bibendum Lord's Cricket Ground tasting. I already sell & enjoy the 2005…In fact I had a very positive reaction from a top French sommelier when I recently presented it…the 05 is drinking perfectly now and is amazing for £12 a bottle…(try one if you haven't!!) The 2010 is another fabulous wine result for them. Smokey, dusty, blackcurranty, cedary and balanced enough for quite a bit of aging, should you wish to put it down. It's on a par with the Ch Beaumont above I think. Around that price too.
I hope you will wish to experiment with one or two of these Chateau this year? Please drop me a line if you'd like any more information? Those who perhaps want to dabble with 2010 in a small way can get a lot of great wine for sub £500 by cherry picking some of the above. I've got a feeling that that's the way many will proceed this year! 
