The Monarchs of Bordeaux: Anderson & Stone’s "Wine King" Picks of the Month
- andersonstonewine
- 4天前
- 讀畢需時 4 分鐘
By Anderson & Stone
In the hallowed vineyards of Bordeaux, there are wines, and then there are Monarchs. These are the bottles that wine collectors whisper about with reverence—the "Wine Kings" that define their appellations and set the standard for perfection.
This month, Anderson & Stone is proud to spotlight four extraordinary estates. These vintages—2016, 2018, and 2019—represent a "Golden Era" for Bordeaux, where modern precision met legendary terroir to create wines of 100-point stature.
1. The Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove: Château Trotanoy (Pomerol) 2018
The Vineyard
Located on the highest part of the Pomerol plateau, Trotanoy’s name translates to "too much trouble" (trop anoi), a nod to the dense, clay-heavy soil that is notoriously difficult to farm. However, it is this very clay, mixed with gravel and iron (crasse de fer), that gives the wine its legendary power and structure.
Why it Scores High
The 2018 vintage was exceptionally warm, but Trotanoy’s clay subsoil acted as a sponge, keeping the vines hydrated and the fruit vibrant. The result is a wine with a "super-hero" level of concentration. Critics have lauded its "monumental" presence, often comparing it to a more structured version of its sibling, Petrus.
Awards & Scores: 100 Points (James Suckling), 99 Points (Wine Advocate), 98+ Points (Antonio Galloni).
Tasting Notes: A dense, opaque purple color leads to an explosive nose of black raspberries, liquid violets, and black truffles. On the palate, it is full-bodied and incredibly muscular, yet the tannins are polished to a high sheen. It finishes with an iron-like mineral grip that lingers for over a minute.
Vintage Potential: This is a long-distance runner. While hedonistic in its youth, it will truly peak between 2030 and 2060.
Food Pairing: Roasted squab with truffle stuffing or slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheek in a rich Port reduction.
2. The Exotic Eastern Palace: Château Cos D’Estournel (Saint-Estèphe) 2016
The Vineyard
Instantly recognizable by its pagoda-style architecture, Cos D'Estournel sits on a hill of deep gravel and clay overlooking Château Lafite Rothschild. The 2016 growing season was long and cool, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach a level of "perfect" phenolic ripeness rarely seen in history.
Why it Scores High
2016 is widely considered the greatest modern vintage for the Left Bank, and Cos D’Estournel is its poster child. It achieved a rare paradox: massive intensity paired with refreshing acidity and low pH. It is a wine of absolute precision and intellectual depth.
Awards & Scores: 100 Points (Neal Martin - Vinous), 100 Points (James Suckling), 100 Points (Wine Advocate).
Tasting Notes: Pure elegance. Notes of crème de cassis, exotic spices (star anise and cumin), and graphite. The texture is seamless, with tannins that feel like "crushed silk." It is incredibly fresh, vibrant, and deep.
Vintage Potential: A legendary vintage that will live for 50+ years.
Food Pairing : Herb-crusted rack of lamb or a sophisticated venison loin with a juniper berry glaze.
3. The Poet of Pomerol: Vieux Château Certan (Pomerol) 2018
The Vineyard
One of the oldest estates in Pomerol, Vieux Château Certan (VCC) is managed by the Thienpont family with an almost poetic touch. The 2018 blend is dominated by Merlot (70%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (30%), which thrives on the estate’s unique clay and gravel soils.
Why it Scores High
VCC is often described as the "Burgundy of Pomerol" due to its aromatic complexity. In the heat of 2018, Alexandre Thienpont managed to capture an extraordinary freshness. Critics have been mesmerized by its "ethereal" quality—it is powerful yet weightless.
Awards & Scores: 100 Points (James Suckling), 99+ Points (Wine Advocate), 99 Points (Jeb Dunnuck).
Tasting Notes: High-toned aromatics of red currants, raspberries, incense, and rose petals. It is incredibly silky on the palate, featuring layers of red fruit, cedar, and tea leaves. The balance is flawless.
Vintage Potential: Approachable earlier than Trotanoy, but will easily age through 2050.
Food Pairing: Pan-seared duck breast with cherry sauce or a delicate wild mushroom risotto.
4. The Noble Historian: Château La Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan) 2019
The Vineyard
Across the street from First Growth Haut-Brion, La Mission sits on a bed of deep gravel that produces wines of immense earthy complexity. 2019 was a sunny, generous vintage that resulted in fruit of incredible purity and "radiance."
Why it Scores High
2019 is a vintage of "joy and harmony." La Mission Haut-Brion 2019 is a monumental achievement, combining the smoky, gravelly soul of Pessac with the opulent, sun-drenched fruit of a warm year. It is a "complete" wine that leaves nothing to be desired.
Awards & Scores: 99 Points (James Suckling), 98-100 Points (Wine Advocate), 99 Points (The Wine Cellar Insider).
Tasting Notes: Deep garnet-purple. It offers scents of scorched earth, warm black cherries, cigar box, and burning embers. The palate is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, framed by firm, ripe tannins and a long, savory finish.
Vintage Potential: A marathon runner; expect it to peak between 2032 and 2065.
Food Pairing: Dry-aged Porterhouse steak or roasted wild boar with a savory demi-glace.
Why These "Wine Kings" Belong in Your Cellar
At Anderson & Stone, we believe that true luxury lies in provenance and selection. These four wines are not merely purchases; they are investments in history.
Elevate Your Collection Today
Whether you are looking to mark a significant milestone or diversify your investment portfolio, these picks represent the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking.
Explore our exclusive allocation at www.andersonandstonewine.com.
Which of these legends will define your cellar this month? Connect with us for a private consultation.