Our recent tastings of value Bordeaux not only emphasised the sheer pleasure to be found in Du Retout, but also revealed how accessible this Cru Bourgeois is in 2020. Round tannins frame a juicy palate abounding with crunchy fruit, and a bone-dry finish leaves you refreshed and thirsty for more. This is a classic claret, coming in at just 13% alcohol!
Undoubtedly Left Bank in nature, the 2020 is composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. There’s no reason to sit on this, but a further five years of cellaring will allow the tannins to ameliorate and the secondary aromatics to come to the fore. At under R2 200 per case, this is fantastic value for uber-delicious Bordeaux.
We also have a handful of magnums from 2019. They’re priced to go at R775 each and are ideal for birthdays or the festive table. ‘Hard to argue with,’ says Jane Anson, the 2019 is already difficult to resist but will gain in complexity with further maturation.
The Kopp family took the reins of the estate in the 1950s and have since consolidated surrounding vineyard plots. They farm according to ‘Haute Valeur Environnementale’ (HVE) principles. Simply put, all fertiliser used on the farm is produced with manure from their own animals as well as other organic material from the estate, and no herbicides or pesticides are employed in the vineyards.
NOW LIVE:
STRAUSS & CO BORDEAUX TIMED ONLINE AUCTION
‘Our largest and most impressive Bordeaux catalogue ever’ – Higgo Jacobs, Wine Specialist
Strauss & Co is delighted to announce its Bordeaux Timed Online Auction, presenting an exquisite selection of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style wines. The auction comprises 155 lots and features several legendary 100-pointers! These include Lafite Rothschild 1982, Margaux 2000, Angélus 2005, Ausone 2000, Haut-Brion 2009, Latour 2009, and Masseto 2007. Look out for Le Pin and Petrus from Pomerol, Cheval Blanc from Saint-Émilion, and seven lots from Château d’Yquem.
The South African Bordeaux blend list is equally impressive. The sought-after wines on auction include 19 lots from Kanonkop, Meerlust’s rare 1984 Rubicon, and offerings from De Toren, Delaire, Glenelly, Keet, Le Riche, Vilafonté, Vergelegen, and more. The auction features many top wines from 2015, which is widely regarded as the greatest modern-day South African vintage. Bidding closes on 15 April from 6pm.
Tasting Notes:
‘Vignobles Kopp, better known for their unusual white wine but it’s always worth looking out for the red also. This has plenty of depth and character, with grip that delivers the plentiful berry fruit right through the mid palate, which fills out nicely. Impressive, with dried herbs and cloves on the finish.’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 91/100
Du Retout, Haut-Médoc 2019 magnum
‘Unfussy, earthy tannins, this is old school, classic Cru Bourgeois, with a juicy frame, liquorice, loganberry and fresh mint on the finish. Hard to argue with. Harvest September 24 to October 9, 33% new oak for ageing.’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 91/100
