Château Blaignan Cru Bourgeois 2016

For claret that far outstrips its Médoc Cru Bourgeois label, look for Château Blaignan. It's an historic property, with vineyards dating back to the 14th century and Cru Bourgeois status since 1932. Most exciting was the purchase of the property by new owners in 2004, who put Château Angélus's Hubert de Bouärd as consultant. The lift in quality, step by step, has been impressive, with lower yields, plot by plot vinification and sustainable methods in the vineyard, plus a newly built cellar in 2010. The result is this three-Golds, 92-point claret with aromatic red fruit, excellent structure and impressive length. A class Médoc, very enjoyable now or alternatively cellar. Let the bottle stand to settle any sediment, open early and decant.