Viniou Reviews
Château Grand Médoc 2020 is a classic example of the esteemed Haut-Médoc AOC, embodying the nobility and restraint one expects from this northern part of the Médoc. While the blend is not specifically detailed, most Haut-Médoc reds are traditionally composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often completed by touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2020 vintage across Bordeaux was marked by early flowering, a hot summer, and some rain at harvest, resulting in wines with rich fruit profiles, pronounced structure and an admirable sense of balance. The château’s careful vinification gives the wine a deep garnet robe, aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis, underpinned by notes of cedar, spice and a subtle earthiness. Fine-grained tannins and a lively acidity promise good ageing potential, while the finish is long and elegant.
The Haut-Médoc is situated on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, stretching from just north of the city itself to Saint-Estèphe. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the nearby Gironde river and the Atlantic Ocean providing regulating influences that help grapes ripen steadily. The soils here are a patchwork of gravel, clay and limestone, ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the warm, well-drained gravel. Haut-Médoc carries a long and storied tradition of winegrowing, with many historic châteaux and a proud reputation for producing wines characterised by complexity, structure and finesse.
For food pairings, this Haut-Médoc shines alongside classic dishes like roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, beef Wellington, or duck breast with a red wine reduction. The structure and earthy nuances also make it a wonderful match for regional Bordelaise favourites such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard. Mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged cheddar also complement the wine’s depth and poise.
To best enjoy Château Grand Médoc 2020, decant for at least one hour to allow the wine to open up and serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This enhances both the aromatic complexity and the wine’s refined tannic structure, offering a memorable tasting experience.
