I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
(ai photo)
GSM blends have always fascinated me—and sometimes left me scratching my head. They’re not Bordeaux or Burgundy; they play by their own rules. Chevalier Delaude Rouge 2022 is a great example of why I keep coming back.
This isn’t your everyday red. It’s got a Decanter 95, but what matters is what’s in the glass. GSM blends like this thrive on diversity and a hint of mystery.
The blend: about 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Classic Languedoc-Roussillon, but not basic. The 2022 vintage is vibrant and pure—ripe fruit, spice, earthy depth.
Depending on your taste, the Decanter review is either an invitation or a warning. This wine isn’t out to please everyone. It’s not jammy or obvious; it’s layered, savoury, and makes you think. That’s the fun—exploring nuance and sense of place.
If you want instant gratification or buy by scores, skip it. Chevalier Delaude Rouge 2022 isn’t loud or flashy. It’s for those who enjoy finding something different.
If you crave surprise and elegance, this wine’s for you. Prefer the usual? That’s fine—this bottle isn’t for playing it safe.
At 14.5% ABV, this is sunshine in a glass—rich and balanced, never overwhelming. Sip mindfully and respect its strength.
What sets Chevalier Delaude Rouge 2022 apart isn’t the score or specs—it’s how it captures the restless spirit of GSM blends. If you’re open to discovery, you’ll find tradition, creativity, and character here. For me, it’s proof GSMs keep evolving. Go on—pour a glass, set aside your expectations, and see where this one takes you.
I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
The 2007 and 2003 Clos du Marquis are studies in contrast. Both are Cabernet Sauvignon-led; 2007 (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc; 13% ABV) is classic, structured, and fresh. 2003, with more Merlot and 13.5% ABV, is softer, riper, and plush—a true hot-vintage style.
In the glass, 2007 is deep, nearly opaque ruby; 2003 is deep ruby. The 2007 nose is subtle—black fruit, rose, damson; 2003 is richer—blackcurrant, plum, dried herbs. On the palate, 2007 is balanced, complex, and long—smoke, coffee, and damson leading to a restrained, age-worthy finish. 2003 is plush and full, with ripe cassis, fig, mocha, and tobacco; velvety tannins and low acidity give instant appeal but less freshness.
Both reflect Clos du Marquis style: 2007 is taut and structured, with complexity and ageing potential but some variability and green notes; 2003 is generous and textured, but can lose freshness with age.
The 2007, from a cooler, more variable vintage, is praised for elegance and structure, though it is lighter than the top years. The 2003 richness and instant appeal come from a hot year, providing generosity but sometimes less freshness, which critics note. Both are recognised for authentic St Julien character and ageing potential. For many collectors, Clos du Marquis is a hidden gem—classic Left Bank style and quality, without the price or expectation of a grand vin.
Critics praise 2007 for its classic balance and 2003 for its plushness. Scores reflect these styles—2007: 89/100 (Parker), 16/20 (Jancis Robinson); 2003: 90/100 (Parker), 16.5/20 (Jancis Robinson). While these may not reach the heights of grand vins, they do not reflect a lack of quality. Scores in the high 80s to low 90s are typical for well-crafted second wines like Clos du Marquis, which is consistently praised for value, Médoc character, and cellaring potential—especially in less-hyped vintages.
Quality in Bordeaux is never judged by numbers alone: context, vintage, and personal taste matter. Both 2007 and 2003 Clos du Marquis capture St Julien—one through elegance and structure, the other through richness and immediacy—making them respected, enjoyable wines in their own right. There seems to be no need for open decanting; get it slightly chilled, let it breathe at room temperature, and drink along.
I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
Deep ruby with a tight rim, still youthful for the vintage. The nose is broad and refined, offering raspberry, cherry, red plum, coffee, black truffle, earth, and wood spice. The palate starts firm, then opens to riper fruit and polished tannins. Alcohol: 13% ABV. Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot—adding complexity to the wine’s design. The structure and length are impressive for a vintage often criticised for dilution. While some may find it has less power than top Margaux, its subtlety and elegance define its character in a challenging year.
Scores are not bad:
Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2016) – 90 points: Firm and complex, with ripe fruit and well-structured tannins. A strong effort in a difficult year—should age gracefully.
Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (Oct 2016) – 88 points: Restrained and classic, showing red and black fruits, floral notes, and subtle oak. Brighter acidity lends freshness and structure. Elegant mid-palate, persistent finish. Drink over the next 12+ years.
Of course, these scores reflect tastings from a decade ago. While NM88 and WE90 provide useful benchmarks, they should be interpreted with care—especially in a vintage like 2013, where fruit intensity is naturally more restrained. Over time, the style and structure remain, but the fruit may soften further, so expectations should be set accordingly. We accord 91 points.
Taken together, both critics highlight the wine’s consistency and improvement over 2011, even if it falls short of Margaux’s most illustrious names. Yet in the face of a challenging year, Prieure Lichine 2013 rises beyond expectation—not with sheer power, but with quiet confidence and layered complexity. For those willing to look past the vintage's headlines, this wine offers a rare glimpse into Margaux's resilience, rewarding patience and discernment with every glass. It is not merely a survivor of its season, but a voice for the subtleties that define true greatness.
