Chateau d’Agassac
Haut Medoc 2011, 2016 & 2020

This is the archetype of modern Médoc, structured and powerful, yet balanced, fruity and endowed with ripe and supple tannins. Made for laying down, it can be enjoyed relatively young, by those who love their wines with ripe fruits and powerful tannins, or with extended age, for those who enjoy the meaty, earthy and umami flavours of mature Bordeaux. It is one of the best rated and most awarded wines of Haut-Médoc.

Two bottles from each of three vintages is in this mixed case:

2020 – medium ruby colour. Dense and rich, yet beautifully balanced. It has an intense nose offering fine oak, butterscotch and mild spice with darker fruit, plum and cocoa. Good grip and density with ripe extract, grainy tannin, sweet fruit flavours with balanced oak, layered with a long and pure finish. Already open and attractive to drink, but suitable for cellaring for up to 25 years. “This impressive crus bourgeois wine is dense and rich, while always balanced. Its black-plum density is layered with acidity and firm tannins. The wine has a fine future; drink from 2026.” Score 92, Wine Enthusiast, Sept 2023

2016 – deep ruby, ​​garnet core with subtle lightening of the edges. The nose shows blackberry confit, grilled toast, graphite and a hint of vanilla, with a delicate leafy background. Medium bodied with fine fruit sweetness, well-integrated tannins, elegant and persistent. The finish has a pleasant touch of chocolate. This has all the hallmarks of a great Agassac: sophistication, grace and a quiet strength. This vintage can be enjoyed now, but will improve over the next 10 to 15 years in the cellar. “Firm, structured and ripe with blackberry fruits. Its richness is balanced with fresh acidity and ripe tannins. Drink this wine, full of aging potential, from 2023.” Score 92, Wine Enthusiast, April 2019

2011 – medium garnet. There is still some preserved strawberry on the nose, but tertiary characters have taken a prominent role: forest floor, smoke, mushroom and soy. Tannins have become nicely integrated, filling out the mouth with their lovely velvety nature. The acid on this wine gives great liveliness and keeps the wine fresh, despite its earthiness. No need to decant or open too long before drinking. “A luscious, fruity 2011. It has both juicy blackberry fruits, warm tannins and just a core of dryness to promise aging. Elegant, ripe and fragrant, this wine should be drunk from 2017.” Score 90, Wine Enthusiast, January 2014