Here is a rare opportunity to secure three mature examples from 2009, the most approachable of the great vintages in the last 15 years in Bordeaux. These three châteaux show how to find value for money in this famous region; they are ambitiously structured, and punch well above their weight, particularly in 2009.

Stylistically, I would say that 2009 is the most seductive and forward of the great recent vintages, in fact it is reminiscent of 1982 in that these are wines that were delicious in cask, will be delicious at 20-25 years old and at every point in-between. Where clarets from some of the more classically structured vintages can sometimes go through difficult periods when they close down and become muted and hard for a little while, 2009s are always forward and welcoming, yet have the depth of flavour and structure one can expect from top years.

Here we have picked three champions for the region, wines that deliver much of the Crus Classés’ depth of flavour, balance and structure, can age gracefully for a couple of decades and yet don’t cost an arm and a leg. Château Poujeaux is an unapologetically powerful and structured wine, a classic mini-Pauillac in the “don’t open until it is 10 years old” sense. Just coming into its drinking window it will continue to get better over the next few years. Cantemerle is on the edge of the Margaux commune and benefits from similarly lifted aromatics and elegant flavours. It is a property that has been pushing the envelope since 2005 and delivers superb drinking pleasure. Finally, owned by M. Delon, of “First growth in waiting” Château Léoville-Las-Cases’ fame, Château Potensac is another cuvée that has no business aging as well as it does, and it you like St Julien but also enjoy a little spare change in your pocket, this is the wine for you!