Collection: Saint-Estèphe
Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the four great Médoc communes, and the soils here carry more clay than the gravel further south.
What clay does. It holds water, which helps in dry years, and it produces wines that are firmer, more tannic and slower to open than Margaux or Saint-Julien. Saint-Estèphe rewards patience more than any other commune — and punishes impatience more too.
Buy it if you like Bordeaux that tastes structural rather than fruity, and you are willing to decant properly or cellar.
On our list
Cos d'Estournel — the estate with the pagoda towers, the most polished expression of the commune. Montrose — sometimes called the Latour of Saint-Estèphe, and one of the longest-lived wines in all of Bordeaux. Sociando-Mallet — technically just outside the appellation boundary in Haut-Médoc, unclassified by choice, and regularly rated alongside classified growths.
Decant ninety minutes. Beef, game, aged hard cheese.
Free delivery over HK$800. All Bordeaux
