2011 Chateau Vignot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Bordeaux 750 ml

Library Grand Cru Bordeaux from a 100-point master: Nearly everything about that phrase evokes the thought of a triple-digit price tag, which is why we’re thrilled to bring the exquisitely aged 2011 Château Vignot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru to our members for a steal. Crafted by 15-time 100-point Vérité winemaker Pierre Seillan (whose Vérité wines command $300+), our last offer from the chilly cellars of Château Vignot was claimed in short order, and created a serious fanbase among Wine Access members. Ready to drink and boasting perfect provenance, this is the way to enjoy Bordeaux.

On the day the Vignot arrived at our tasting panel, the whole Wine Team swirled and sniffed, and our VP of Wine Robert Emery—who ventured to Château Vignot and brought back this allocation—breathed it in deeply and asked no one in particular: “Is there anything better than perfectly aged Bordeaux?” That brought a flood of praise from every last person gathered around the table.

After eight years, this Right Bank beauty expresses the kind of complexity that only comes with age. With a deep ruby core and garnet creeping in around the rim, it’s got developing notes of earthy tobacco—the kind that starts showing after some serious time in the bottle—and crushed rock on the nose, combining with rich cassis and plum fruits. The black raspberry-laden palate balances breadth and focus, and is powered by velvety tannins leading to a finish of dried herbs and leather. 

Pierre Seillan began his stellar winemaking career in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. After meeting California legend Jess Jackson in the mid-1990s, Seillan was blown away by Jackson’s Sonoma County terroir, but even more impressed by what his California counterpart could create without the burden of French regulations. This impression led to a partnership that formed the world-renowned Vérité, and perfect adoration from Parker soon followed. The eminent critic said, “This is the flagship, luxury, world-class winery of the late Jess Jackson’s portfolio of small, high quality estates. Jackson convinced Bordelais Pierre Seillan to come to California from St.-Émilion to make these wines, and Vérité has been one of the classics for well over a decade.” 

In 2003, when Jackson bought Château Vignot, Seillan came full circle by bringing his talents back to Saint-Émilion. And thanks to his ability to cajole terroir-driven nuance from any soil he works with, the estate is performing in a way that befits a winemaker who has displayed mastery on both sides of the Atlantic.