Try these great Bordeaux wines from recent years
Check out Barbara Philip's picks for this week
Wine journalists and buyers from around the world are in Bordeaux, France, during the first week of April to barrel taste the 2016 vintage.
On The Coast's Master of Wine Barbara Philip is at the En Primeur tastings, to sample that vintage.
She says it is supposed to be quite good, but won't be widely available for some time.
"There are many older vintages of Bordeaux to enjoy while the 2016s rest in barrel for another couple of years," she said.
Here are her picks for great Bordeauxs from the past.
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Cap Royal Rouge. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2014. $22.99
"This is a very elegant wine for the price with focused red fruits, some spice and sweet herbs. It is produced by Château Pichon Baron, Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac."
Château du Vieux Puit. Blaye. Bordeaux. 2010. $24.99
"Lesser-known appellations like Blaye are great places to look for value in Bordeaux, especially in outstanding vintages like 2010. This small Château is family run and situated about 50 kilometres north of the city. It is based on Merlot with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot."
Château La Gorre. Médoc. Bordeaux. 2009. $28.99
"2009 was another wonderful vintage and the La Gorre is starting to show some of the depth of flavor that comes with age. Look for dried red and green peppers, roasted notes and warm earth. The palate is expansive and ripe with dark chocolate flavours."
Château Beau Site. Saint-Estèphe. 2005. $49.99
"The 2005 Beau-Site is nearing maturity with layers of coffee, earth, spice and licorice tones. The tannins are firm but integrated. It deserves roasted meat or aged cheese!"
With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast