97pts & Gold Medal Winner Decanter

For the second year running, Blaye has come storming into our Best in Show selection, and on this occasion with a Value wine from the exciting 2018 vintage. It was a warm and generous year, and you can read that generosity in the deep colours and vivacious aromatic ripeness which lifts from the glass. The wine is deep, round, ample and approachable on the palate, the primary plum and damson fruits just beginning to soften into something a little more savoury and meaty. There are, though, firm shaping tannins behind those prominent fruits; while the acidity is supple and fruit-packed. This sturdy Value Best In Show will certainly continue to evolve for another half-decade yet, and would show convincingly among peers of loftier price. (Best in Show) - DWWA

92pts Wine Enthusiast

This wine has dense tannins that partner the ripe black fruits. With its full-bodied dark-plum flavors and texture that is smoothing out, the wine has weight, richness and a good future. Drink from 2023.

91pts James Suckling

The tannins are nice polished here with caressing tannins and nice depth of fruit. Creamy and delicious already.

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

Another solid effort, the 2018 Château Bourdieu N1 has lots of meaty red and black fruits, graphite, toasted spice, and cigar-like aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied and has elegant tannins as well as outstanding purity of fruit. It's ideal for enjoying over the coming decade.

Winemaker Notes

Rich and generosity, Bourdieu No 1 offers a beautiful gamut of colors with intense reflections. Its expressive and complex nose, composed of over-ripe black fruit: blackcurrant, blueberry, fresh red fruits strawberry, red currants and vanilla notes. The palate is rich, structured and full thanks to round and silky tannins.