Chateau Bourdieu dates back to 1464. Located on Bordeaux’ Right Bank in the Cotes de Blaye region. The estates vineyards have a mixture of clay, limestone and gravel soils. Ideal for Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate covers 180 acres and the vines average a mature 35 years of age.

For the second year running, Blaye has come storming into our Best in Show selection, and on this occasion with a Value wine from the exciting 2018 vintage. It was a warm and generous year, and you can read that generosity in the deep colours and vivacious aromatic ripeness which lifts from the glass. The wine is deep, round, ample and approachable on the palate, the primary plum and damson fruits just beginning to soften into something a little more savoury and meaty. There are, though, firm shaping tannins behind those prominent fruits; while the acidity is supple and fruit-packed. This sturdy Value Best In Show will certainly continue to evolve for another half-decade yet, and would show convincingly among peers of loftier price. Rating: 97 Points, Platinum Medal, Best In Show; Decanter World Wine Awards

This wine has dense tannins that partner the ripe black fruits. With its full-bodied dark-plum flavors and texture that is smoothing out, the wine has weight, richness and a good future. Drink to: From 2023 onwards; Price: $US30.00; Rating: 92 Points; Roger Voss; Wine Enthusiast Magazine

The tannins are nicely polished here with caressing tannins and nice depth of fruit. Creamy and delicious already. Drink now. Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 91 Points; James Suckling

A well-priced and generous red wine blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec. From a warm vintage, the wine is dry, full-bodied, vivacious and mouth filling with ripe dark plum, cassis, savoury herbs and meaty flavours supple on the palate and framed with ripe tannins. Drink to: Now-2030; Rating: 91 Points; Natalie MacLean