En primeur offer: Bordeaux 2025

This dependable member favourite is now under the watchful eyes of Pénélope Godefroy, who has dialled up the freshness and drinkability after a few years characterised more by power and density. Medium-bodied and less extracted, this may take a year or two longer to enter its drinking window than recent vintages; but it’ll be fantastic when it’s there. Drink from 2030 to 2038. 14.2%

Not normally a wine we offer en primeur but, such is the quality of the 2025 reds, that this property – owned by the Dubourdieu family of Doisy-Daëne fame – really impressed for its serious, powerful and tannic profile at a modest price. A very appealing Cadillac to tuck away for four or five years. Drink from 2029 to 2034. 14.1%

We love supporting some of the smaller properties during primeurs and Château de la Grave in the Côtes de Bourg is one such address. We’ve been buying from the Bassereau family since the 1960s and their ‘Nectar’ is a great example of the appellation and a great stepping stone into en primeur Bordeaux. Smoky, inky and with grippy, savoury tannins, this has plenty of personality at a moderate price. Drink from 2030 to 2035. 14%

Such is the quality of the 2025 Pitray – the oldest family-owned property in Bordeaux – that we’ve decided to offer it early as part of this year’s en primeur selection. The increased depth, complexity, and class found in this wine since Nina Mitjavile (daughter of the legendary François of Tertre Rotebouef fame) arrived as winemaker is staggering. They now include all their malbec into the cuvée, giving the wine intense spice and blackberry notes, with hints of tar, bitter chocolate and bilberry. A blend of 50% merlot, 40% malbec and 10% cabernet sauvignon, the palate is full, generous and powerful, and will reward careful cellaring. Drink from 2030 to 2037. Magnums (CB7644 @ £90 per six) and halves (CB7642 @ £44.00 per dozen) available. 13.5%

After the success of 2024, we’ve secured Château Ampélia as a UK exclusive in 2025. François Despagne, of famed Grand Corbin-Despagne in Saint-Emilion, continues to showcase his exceptional expertise with another remarkable Ampélia. This gorgeously aromatic wine is a step up from the thrilling 2024: the palate shows an extra touch of sweetness and flesh, with greater power and structure that show the strength of the vintage. A great affordable option that will mature for another decade with ease. Drink from 2029 to 2038. 13.35%

The Wine Society is the world’s largest buyer of Beaumont, but even our unrivalled support of this member favourite doesn’t make them immune to the difficulties currently faced in Bordeaux. Due to waning demand, they’ve been forced to grub up a significant portion of the vineyards as they’re no longer financially viable. Despite the difficulties, the wine continues to show unrivalled value, with the 2025 one of the finest we’ve had the pleasure of tasting. Always perfumed and charming in youth, this vintage deserves a little extra patience, with an energetic palate offering plenty of blueberry and toasted spice notes and present yet brilliantly managed tannins. Drink from 2030 to 2038. Magnums (CM35034 @ £132 per six) and halves (CM35032 @ £72 per dozen) available. 13.5%

Cissac is one of our bestselling Bordeaux reds thanks to its affordability and ageworthiness. It’s a wine that’s at its best after six to eight years from vintage, and the 2025 is a brilliant example. Located just behind the intersection between Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, Cissac is always a wine with great energy and freshness. The 2025 offers added depth and nuance with well-judged oak and distinct herbal spice notes. Drink from 2030 to 2038. Magnums (CM34674 @ £112 per six) and halves (CM34672 @ £56 per dozen) available. 12.7%