2016 Chateau de l'Aubrade Bordeaux Superiuer 750 ml

Bold and powerful, with a dark, assertive Bordeaux character, the 2016 Château de l'Aubrade has structure, muscle, and a ten-year cellaring potential that is astounding at this price point.

Showcasing the nobility of this region even as it brandishes its power, the bottling won a 91-point endorsement from Wine Enthusiast, calling it “big, smoky, and bold” with “ripe black fruits, rich tannins and excellent potential.”

After a two-hour runway in the decanter, we were left captivated by its style. The aromatics are direct and precise, with black currant, plum, and graphite in focus, while crushed bay leaf, gravel, and leafy forest float in the background. The palate is muscular and full of Cabernet tannins within the first hour, fleshing out dark, ripe fruit and savory tobacco notes with time to build to a spellbinding climax.

The family that owns this estate has been making wine in the region long before the 1855 classification, with a history dating all the way back to 1734. We got to them first, and secured a deal that would normally be unthinkable: a full 50% off the list price of $32—the usual going amount for a proper everyday drinking red Bordeaux. Everyone’s cellar needs a wine like this, and it’s never been more accessible.

We realized just how versatile this Bordeaux could be when a friend called us in a panic—they were throwing a dinner party, carefully planned down to the matching placemats and floral arrangements, except for one major oversight: the wine to pour with dinner.

Did we have anything we could bring over? Something Right Bank, ideally, big and lush with concentrated power? Our mind went to our case of the 2016 Château de l'Aubrade, stowed away in our basement for personal enjoyment. We said we had a total ringer for a Right Bank beauty—and better yet, one that only cost $16 per bottle. Our buddy seemed a bit skeptical, but what choice did he have? There was one condition—we needed an hour to decant the wine, so he’d have to keep their glasses full until then.

We arrived early, and immediately emptied out a couple bottles into decanters and pitchers the host had around the house to let it begin uncoiling. The dozen-odd guests arrived shortly afterward. The first pour was a wonderful NV Champagne, paired with oysters and burrata toasts. We swirled and took an inhale from the decanter to see how it was developing, and got seductive hints of forest floor complexity and red fruit power, still unfurling.

The second pour was a lively, vibrant Chenin Blanc, accompanying a salad of grilled garden vegetables and feta. By the time everyone was seated, the candles were lit, and the duck confit plated, this Bordeaux was absolutely singing, fully fleshed out and plush on the palate, drinking beautifully on all angles and a huge hit at the table. The guests could have sworn they were drinking a bold Saint-Émilion… we only gave away the vintage, to many nods of approval, and winked at our host. He asked if he could get his hands on a second case the next day.

A lot of our members will be thinking the same way, so be sure to get your hands on some while we still have this $16 stunner in stock.