How I'd Spend $100, $250, or $1,000+ on 2023 Bordeaux

Hello ,

En Primeur may be over, but our team's excitement for the 2023 Bordeaux vintage is building! As Zachys' Senior Bordeaux Buyer, I've had the pleasure of tasting through this year's offerings, and now that they're all released, I'm excited to share my curated list of must-haves.

My love for Bordeaux began early. At just 17, I was studying Viticulture & Enology, and a single sip of the 1999 Chteau Margaux ignited a passion that led me to pursue my Master's in France. Over the years, I've filled my personal cellar with the likes of Loville Barton and Pichon Comtesse historic superstars that consistently deliver exceptional quality and enjoyment.

Today, I'm excited to share the bottles from the 2023 vintage that I'm not only recommending to friends but also considering for my own collection. There's a common misconception that Bordeaux is all about expensive, unapproachable wines. But the truth is, this region and this vintage offer incredible diversity and value. You'll find plenty of great bottles under $30, perfect for enjoying right now, alongside age-worthy treasures to lay down for the future. From exquisite whites and approachable Merlots to powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and complex Bordeaux blends, there truly is a perfect bottle for every palate and occasion.

Building Your Collection?

If you're looking for smart buys under $100, I recommend grabbing a single bottle of Lynch-Bages ($95) or Pontet-Canet ($91.32). It's not often we see these icons under $100, and they won't stay there for long! Alternatively, craft a 6 or 12-pack of some of the vintage's top values: Laroque ($30.95), Tour St. Christophe ($31.49), Gloria ($34), Cantemerle ($26), Vieux Chteau St. Andre ($18.99), and Giscours ($58).

If you have a little more to spend, for $246, you can get an original wooden case of Cos Labory ($41). This is a special opportunity because neighboring Chteau Cos d'Estournel just purchased the property and has made tons of improvements. It's an estate to watch in the coming years.

Looking for Something Really Special?

If you have $1,000 or more to spend, consider investing in large formats. En Primeur is a great time to do this because the wines are still in barrel at the time of purchase. This means you can order customized formats and packaging that may not be available later.

I'd splurge on a 6-pack of Magnums (1.5L) of one of the wines of the vintage, 2023 Leoville Barton ($169.99) while they're still around! Large formats have the potential to increase in value quickly due to their rarity.

Other options under $1,080/pack include 6-packs of Leoville Las Cases ($180), Ducru Beaucaillou ($165), or Cos d'Estournel ($158). You could also grab a 3-liter (equivalent to 4 bottles of wine) of our top-selling value Tour St. Christophe ($154), or a double magnum of Figeac ($849). You can't go wrong with any of these fantastic choices!

And speaking of fantastic choices, this list would be incomplete without highlighting Vieux Chteau Certan ($239.99), a true standout of the vintage. I love Vieux Chteau Certan - the wines are incredibly elegant and the family behind them (including Alexandre Thienpont pictured above with me) is thoughtful, humble, and welcoming. With the 2023 vintage priced 33% below last year's, it's an absolute steal compared to older vintages now fetching upwards of $450 per bottle. This is one you won't want to miss!

Have any questions or need personalized recommendations? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at wed love to help.

Cheers,

Michele

Your Senior Bordeaux Buyer at Zachys

*All orders are subject to confirmation. Additional sizes may be available upon request. U.S. arrival is expected to begin in spring 2025 and continue through late 2026, depending on the producer. Please note that any future changes to import tariffs and duties may affect the final price upon arrival.