Bordeaux, Unhurried: A Journey of Depth & Perspective

Bordeaux has a way of quietly reaffirming its position at the centre of the fine wine world. Not through spectacle, but through depth, consistency, and a strong sense of continuity.

In October, a small group of Cult Wines' clients joined us for a privately curated four-day journey across the Right and Left Banks, designed to provide access, thoughtful insight, and the space to engage properly with some of the region’s most important estates.

Rather than moving quickly between tastings, the focus was on understanding style, context, and evolution. Long tastings, unhurried lunches, and open conversation shaped an experience that felt considered and rewarding.

Saint Emilion: Setting the Tone

The journey began in Saint-Émilion with a visit to Château Beau-Séjour Bécot. As a Premier Grand Cru Classe estate, it offered a fitting introduction to the region. Exploring the limestone cellars beneath the vineyard provided immediate perspective, grounding the visit in both history and terroir.

The tasting highlighted wines with clarity and structure, combining the classic Saint-Émilion character with a confident, modern approach. That evening, dinner at Logis de la Cadene brought the group together properly for the first time.

Over an exceptional dinner with carefully selected wines, conversation quickly moved beyond introductions to thoughtful discussion.

Right Bank Benchmarks

The second day was dedicated to the Right Bank’s leading estates. At Château Angelus, the group gained insight into how precision and innovation are shaping the property's next chapter, both in the vineyard and the cellar. The tasting reinforced the estate’s reputation for control and intensity, with wines that balance power with restraint.

At Château Figeac, the focus shifted to identity and terroir. With its gravel soils and Cabernet-led blends, Figeac continues to stand apart in Saint-Émilion. We were joined by Marie-France Manoncourt for lunch in the estate’s private dining room, an understated yet quietly elegant space, with a sense of calm that encourages conversation. 

This enabled open discussion of balance, ageing potential, and how the wines perform in the broader market. The afternoon visit was at Château Cheval Blanc. Touring the contemporary winery and tasting the wines offered a clear understanding of why Cheval Blanc remains so distinctive. The precision and texture of the wines spoke for themselves.

Pessac Leognan & the Left Bank

The focus then shifted to Pessac-Léognan, beginning with Château Smith Haut-Lafitte. The estate’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident at every level, from its on-site cooperage to its approach to sustainable viticulture. Tasting both red and white wines underscored the range's clarity and consistency. Lunch at Château Haut Bailly was followed in the estate’s private dining room. 

Later, a visit to Château Pape Clement offered contrast. As one of Bordeaux’s oldest estates, it offered a different perspective, with wines that combine depth and polish. The day concluded with dinner overlooking Saint Emilion, an opportunity to reflect on the day.

Sauternes & Natural Conclusion

The final day took the group south to Sauternes for a visit to Château d’Yquem. Tasting Yquem at the estate offered a rare context for the level of selection and patience required to produce the wine. For many, it was a defining moment of the trip, reinforcing why Yquem continues to stand apart. Lunch at La Chapelle de Guiraud provided a fitting conclusion.

Over four days, the group visited ten leading estates and shared experiences that went far beyond a traditional wine tour. What stood out was the quality of engagement, both with the châteaux and within the group itself.

This trip was about understanding Bordeaux in context, how the wines are made, how they evolve, and why they continue to matter. As the trip came to an end, one sentiment was shared by all. This is exactly how these experiences should be done.