Bordeaux Arrivage: The ten best wines under 100 euros

Wine Inspiration

Falstaff reveals the ten best wines from the 2021 vintage that are ideal for a smaller budget.

Falstaff Editorial Team, Peter Moser,

02.04.2024

Top 10 under 100 euro

Medium golden yellow, silver reflections. On the nose, nuances of mango, pear and honey, hints of quince and caramel, subtle wood savouriness, notes of lanolin and roasted pineapple. Full-bodied, elegant and silky and with great freshness, a touch of white nougat and a hint of coconut on the lingering finish. Definite ageing potential. 9/1/2024, only 100 liters per hectare, the dry Pur Sémillion was not even made)

Sauternes, France

Château d'Arche

Intense golden yellow, brass reflections. A somewhat restrained bouquet with notes of candied orange zest, subtle hints of wood and dried apricot. Juicy with subtle volatile nuances, a hint of coconut, fine acidity, red berries, good complexity and length. Will improve with time.

Sauternes, France

Château Bouscaut

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, DELICATE edge brightening. Delicately floral black forest berryish fruit, inviting bouquet of blackberries and cherries, DELICATEly UNDERLAY/BACKGROUND with orange zest. Medium complexity, red berryish fruit, fine texture, fresh acidity, mineral and good persistence, an animating food companion with future certain ageing potential.

Pessac-Léognan, France

Château Bellefont-Belcier

Intense dark garnet, opaque core, purple rim. Delicate hints of nougat and figs, fresh plums with candied orange zest underneath; an inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, fresh, well-structured, red cherries, ripe, integrated tannins, refreshing acidity, mineral-salty touch on the finish; a lively food companion.

St. Emilion, France

Château Dauzac

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, subtle ochre brightening on the rim. A multi-faceted bouquet with subtle oak nuances, hints of liquorice and a background floral note. Elegant, juicy and harmonious with ripe, sweet cherries, fresh acidity, fine tannins, mineral notes and a persistent finish. Definite ageing potential.

Margaux, France

Château Batailley

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Ripe plums, delicate underlay with cassis, some liquorice, candied orange zest. Slender, fine fruit expression, fine tannins, good freshness, a light-footed, uncomplicated food wine.

Bordeaux, France

Château Cantenac Brown

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, subtle ochre brightening on the rim. An inviting bouquet with notes of ripe cherry, wild berry confit, orange zest and a hint of spice. Medium complexity with fine fruit expression, fresh acidity and a mineral-salty finish. Already approachable with definite ageing potential.

Margaux, France

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

Dark ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. Cherry compote, a hint of plums, candied orange zest, a subtle hint of nougat. Medium body, fresh, with notes of red berries, lively, delicate style, subtle sweetness on the finish, ripe tannins, already offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure, fine chocolate touch in the aftertaste.

Margaux, France

Château Durfort-Vivens

Dark ruby, purple hues on the bright, narrow rim. Dark wild berries, hints of fresh blackberries, cassis, black cherries, sweet spices, floral, a touch of nougat. Medium complexity, red berry fruits, clearly structured, fine, ripe tannins, lemony touch on the finish, mineral and with persistent length; a lively, racy food companion, good ageing potential.

Margaux, France

Château Pavie Macquin

Deep dark ruby, purple hue at the rim. Fine noble wood notes, black forest berries, hints of liquorice, dark cherries and cedar. Complex, juicy, ripe plums, blackberry compote, striking freshness, integrated tannins, mineral, persistent, shows good length, surprisingly open; plenty of ageing potential.

St. Emilion, France