‘Margaux value hunters should be all over this’

6 Jan 2022

Christelle Sorge of Deyrem Valentin

A Margaux gem from a storied vintage, just £16 a bottle in bond

'Espresso, flowers, tobacco and ample dark red berries are all over the place. Medium-bodied, soft and with delicious red fruits on the palate the wine has lift, energy and staying power. Value hunters seeking a wine from Margaux should be all over this one.' - 91 points, Jeff Leve, thewinecellarinsider.com, September 2019

Deyrem Valentin was overlooked in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux chateaux, so it tends to fly a little under the radar. But this Margaux property has everything going for it. The soils are the same mix of gravel, sand and clay that underpin the appellation's most prestigious addresses. The vines average 40 years old, and there is one parcel where some are almost 100, placing them among the Medoc's very oldest. The consultant oenologist is Hubert de Bouard, owner of Chateau Angelus. As Jeff Leve notes on thewinecellarinsider, Deyrem Valentin competes with many classified growths for a lot less money.

The Sorge family picked up Deyrem Valentin at a public auction in 1928, and soon enlarged it by buying a parcel of vines from Chateau Palmer. (Try doing that now!) They have been managing it ever since. These days it is run by fifth generation Christelle Sorge, who honed her craft at home, at school and in Australia. The 2016 majors on the floral, violet-tinged aromatics that are quintessential Margaux, and it has the poise and elegance of its owner. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment late Spring 2022

Vintage Description Cs Sz Bt Sz Cs Bts Cs ib Cs inc Bt inc
2016 drink or keep Deyrem Valentin (Margaux)
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6x 75cl 8 0 £105.00 £145.24 £28.95 Buy