“Sleeping beauty: the reawakening of Pédesclaux.” – The Drinks Business

What if I told you that, in this day and age, in the same ritzy glitzy Pauillac neighborhood as Mouton and Pontet-Canet is this tiny little hidden gem of a classified growth, whose 2015 can be had TODAY and here on Wine Spies only, for under $50?! What am I smoking, right?!

Wrong! You’re looking at the Bordeaux find of the year, so far. We still have the other half of the year to top that statement, alas, we may as well quit while ahead. Seriously… akin to a library release Oakville single vineyard next to To Kalon and Opus One at this price, just does not exist, until you’re looking at it.

Did we mention the 94-point reviews? And a couple of 93s? And how time has elevated it beyond that?

Per a Decanter article, “following the purchase of Pédesclaux by French Swiss real-estate investor Jacky Lorenzetti in 2009, there has been dramatic investment in both vineyard and production facilities. The aims of the new ownership were illustrated at a vertical tasting of 9 recent vintages, held in London in January 2024. The vintages: 2014-2022 showed significant improvements in quality… highly respected oenologist Éric Boissenot has been Pédesclaux’s consultant since 2013.”

Boissenot, who is “Bordeaux’s Secret Weapon” per Wine Spectator, also consults for Mouton, Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Léoville Las Cases, Palmer, Pichon Comtesse, Pichon Baron, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Léoville Barton, Brane Cantenac, Gruaud-Larose… you name it! The average price you’d pay for one of those in the 2015 vintage now? $200+ easily.

Back to Decanter to emphasize why this is a smashing deal: “In 2014, a completely new, gravity-fed, production facility became operational, together with dramatic changes to the original Château building… Château Pédesclaux is benefitting from the investments made under the Lorenzetti family ownership and, from the wines tasted, the estate is delivering in its quest for ‘freshness and balance…’ this is one Pauillac classed growth which is well worth considering, both for quality and value.”

Value, indeed. Crazy good value at our price. And quality? Right up there with the best, as age has done wonders with those firmer tannins or youth. It reveals that classic cedary, open-knit, Pauillac nose with an emphasis on blackcurrants. Round, sweet, and generous flavors enhance a silky, evolved personality that caresses the palate and lingers long into a seductive, complex finish.

Let’s save you the search; there are just a few listings out there, all in the $60-$108 range. This perfect provenance, freshly landed drop from Bordeaux’s tenderloin is going, going…

94 Points – Decanter “A rich and enticing nose, dark and brooding with sweet spices and bramble fruit touches. You can smell the ripe fruit and heat of the vintage. Plush tannins are offset by mouthwatering acidity on the palate - all in balance with a juicy core. Distinct power but there are also tons of freshness and an underlying minerality. Depth and layers… this would benefit from more time with lots more ageing potential. Drink 2025-2038.”

94 Points – James Suckling “Exuberant and rich with so much fruit and richness. Layered and almost exotic. Currants and blueberries with hints of flowers and perfume. Stones, too. Full body, a dense center palate, layers of ripe tannins and citrus rind. Full-bodied, chewy and very dense. Structured and, at the same time, muscular. Layered and structured. Plush. Needs four to five years to open. A very serious wine from this estate. Best ever? We will see. Try in 2022.”

93 Points – The Wine Independent “Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2015 Pedesclaux gallops out with vibrant black and red currants notes, followed by suggestions of dried roses, crushed rocks, and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate delivers a great core of muscular black fruits, with ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing earthy. Drink 2023-2039.”

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast “This is a juicy, fruity wine that’s supported by dark fruit tannins. The black currant fruits are bright and crisp, while the structure is firm and the finish lingering.”