The 2024 Bordeaux vintage is shaping up to be a standout year for accessible, mid-term drinking wines that combine character, balance, and affordability. While the region’s most celebrated estates naturally command attention, there are numerous high-quality selections available at more approachable price points. This guide highlights the top value-driven picks from both the Left and Right Banks, with most wines priced under $30 and a few notable exceptions up to $40.
Right Bank Highlights
The Durantou family once again delivers exceptional value with wines from their Côtes de Castillon, Lalande-de-Pomerol, and Saint-Émilion holdings. A clear standout is the Château Montlandrie (91) from Côtes de Castillon, offering a profile reminiscent of their flagship Pomerol, Château L’Eglise Clinet, at an astonishing starting price of $17.82 per bottle.
From Fronsac, Château Fontenil and Château Les Trois Croix stand out for their pedigree and potential, though they have yet to be released en primeur. Once available, they are expected to offer excellent value.
In Pomerol, Château du Domaine de l’Eglise (91) and Château Saint-Pierre (92) impressed with their vibrant, rich character. Saint-Émilion offered two contrasting yet equally compelling wines: the aromatic and elegant Château Bellevue (93), starting at $35.50, and the structured and opulent Château Lassègue (92) at $33.
Left Bank Bargains
From the southern Médoc, Château Cantemerle (90) offers its classic elegance and cassis-driven profile from $21.29, while Château Branas Grand Poujeaux (91) in Moulis delivers depth and complexity at $27.
Margaux’s Château Deyrem Valentin (89) combines perfume, elegance, and juiciness for $26, and Château Potensac (89)—though technically from the Médoc—provides structure and age-worthiness reminiscent of Saint-Julien for only $19.
In Pauillac, a typically pricier appellation, Château Haut-Bages Monpelou (89) surprises with its opulent black fruit and structure at $21.70.
Saint-Estèphe proved particularly strong in 2024. Château Laffitte Carcasset (89) starts at just $16.79, while the polished Château de Pez (90), made by the team behind Pichon Comtesse, begins at $29.52. Among second wines, Frank Phélan (89) from Château Phélan Ségur stands out for its perfume, balance, and aging potential.
One of the most exciting prospects is Château Montrose’s Terrasse III (93). Though pricing has yet to be announced and it isn’t offered en primeur, this new cuvée made from distinct vineyard plots promises Grand Vin-level quality at potentially excellent value.
Another strong performer is Château Sociando-Mallet (91), located just north of Saint-Estèphe. With a profile marked by depth, elegance, and structure, it offers superb value at $24.33.
Exceptional White Wines
White Bordeaux shone in 2024, with many wines offering vivid perfume and freshness. Château de Chantegrive Cuvée Caroline (91) remains a top value at $12. From Sauternes, the dry Lions de Suduiraut Blanc Sec (90) impressed with its sapid vibrancy for just $16.
In Pessac-Léognan, Domaine de Chevalier crafted some of the region’s finest whites, and similar quality can be found in their sister estates: Domaine de la Solitude Blanc (91) and Château Lespault Martillac Blanc (91), priced at $18.34 and $24.18 respectively.
Sweet Success in Sauternes
The 2024 vintage also yielded outstanding sweet wines. The rich, honeyed Château Bastor-Lamontagne (92) starts at $27.74, while the more complex and elegant Château Doisy-Védrines (93) offers superb quality at $32.36.
Final Thoughts
For collectors and casual drinkers alike, the Bordeaux 2024 vintage presents a wealth of opportunities to acquire wines of serious quality at modest prices. Whether you’re building an en primeur order or simply looking for rewarding mid-term drinking options, these wines exemplify the vintage’s accessibility and depth.
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