Beyond Bordeaux

Jul 25, 2019

This new partnership with Compagnie Médocaine, added to our lively Petit Château direct import program, maintains our
commitment to representing the world’s most important fine wine region.

chateau petit-village pomerol

In the course of our company’s three decade long involvement in the world of buying and selling Bordeaux, Wine Warehouse has acquired many fine trading partners. Some are small family growers while others are merchants known as négociants. Among the latter a few stand apart on merit, but one company in particular rises above based on the overall availability of the broadest selection of top wines, especially Classified Growth wines.

Compagnie Médocaine is that company. These hard working folks have got the goods and now, thanks to an innovative new partnership, Wine Warehouse will be offering our customers Médocaine’s comprehensive assortment of top quality Bordeaux, including their extensive representation of first through fifth growth wines. That’s the good news, but the even better news is that we’ll be shipping to customers from a warehouse in California. No waiting for shipments to consolidate in Europe, cross the ocean, pass through customs, get received into a busy warehouse and staged for delivery. The wines already are here.


Check with your sales reps on specifics, but it’s that simple. It’s a new game and it’s easy to play.  We show you the list of what’s available, including quantities and prices and ship what you order right away. The stock in California will be refreshed often as will the selection, so keep your eyes peeled for regular updates.

chateau beychevelle

For those wondering, Compagnie Médocaine is a modern négociant representing over 200 wines from Bordeaux. The company is owned by a larger company called AXA Millésimes whose other holdings include an impressive string of Classified Growth Bordeaux Estates. Some names include: Château Pichon Baron, Château Suduiraut, Château Petit-Village in Bordeaux, plus Port legend Quinta do Noval and famed Tokaj producer Disznókő. Médocaine is a major allocator of Classified Growth Bordeaux and an extensive partner with dozens of other top Châteaux from all corners of the region.

chateau d'armailhac

Back in the day Wine Warehouse was a major player in the Bordeaux futures business based very strongly on selling Classified Growth Estates. We’ve always sold these wines and over the years we’ve planted plenty of flags in great Bordeaux terroirs. We’re still doing both. This new partnership with Compagnie Médocaine, added to our lively Petit Château direct import program, maintains our commitment to representing the world’s most important fine wine region. The timing is good too. After doing this for the last 20 plus years I can testify that the wines from Bordeaux have never been better.

That’s the new direction for Bordeaux wines here at Wine Warehouse, but what about Bordeaux? What’s new there?
Glad you asked. Organic farming is hotter than ever. Every good producer wants to be organic. A growing cadre are going further and experimenting with biodynamic farming principals. Everyone, regardless of specific farming practices, is active in their vineyards. Some vineyards use plant precision techniques and customized computer programs never seen before. Experimentation carries on in the wineries too. From egg-shaped cement tanks in multiple sizes to fine-tuned geometric tanks designed for surgical fermentations, Bordeaux is steadfast on the cutting edge.

And did I tell you how smart the wine makers and growers are these days? OMG! — In Bordeaux the new generation is incredibly tuned in, educated to the max and brimming with creative talents. They all have great palates and even more importantly, have great palate memories. Every year is a learning experience and all the books are open. It’s a great time in Bordeaux and an excellent time to be in the Bordeaux business in California.

Join me in hailing our new partnership with Compagnie Médocaine as Wine Warehouse looks forward to a great future selling top quality Bordeaux to our customers. Cheers!

SELECTION OF CHATEÂUX

“This is one of the great successes of this vintage. It is generous and rich while also solid and structured. The combination of the essence of black currant and the elegant tannic structure are superb. This is a wine for serious aging and the wine should not be broached before 2026.” 98pts Wine Enthusiast

“It has a wondrous bouquet, very sensual and pure with blackberry, graphite and cedar – all the hallmarks of Pauillac, delivered with great panache. It is more opulent than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, pitch-perfect acidity and a beautiful structure. This is superb and could possibly turn out to be the pick of the Firsts.” 95pts Wine Advocate

“This is a really driven d’Armailhac showing blackcurrants and fruit tea with hints of bark on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, very firm and structured with a long and powerful finish. Direct and linear.” 95pts James Suckling

“A big, powerful wine, the 2012 Haut-Brion possesses stunning richness and intensity, with all of the depth that is lacking in so many other wines in this vintage. Not here. The 2012 possesses remarkable depth and tons of raw, animal power that is going to require considerable time in bottle to soften. Readers should be in no rush; the 2012 Haut-Brion is a wine for the ages. Smoke, graphite, dried herbs and blue/purplish stone fruits grace the exotic, alluring finish.” 97pts Vinous

“Attractive slate and stony aromas here with a sense of depth and strongly terroir-focused style. Abundant ripe dark fruit with a suave, plush and very deep-set palate. Long, classic, seamless and powerful Pomerol. Try from 2023” 96pts James Suckling

“Very bright, with pineapple, lemon and yellow apple fruit flavors skittering through, backed by a friendly honeysuckle note. A flash of brioche adds to the seduction. Drink now through 2023. 708 cases made.” 92pts Wine Spectator

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