Eric Asimov in the New York Times suggested “The 10 Wines You Should Be Drinking in 2026”
He opens the article by stating “Whether because of stereotypes or evolving tastes, these wines tend to be dismissed. But they still offer great beauty and are worth exploring.
I have picked 10 wine genres here that I feel have either been arbitrarily dismissed or have evaporated from consciousness.”
What does he suggest?
The first is…
Bordeaux
I once asked the English wine writer Hugh Johnson why the Brits loved Bordeaux so much, and he said, “Because it’s just a great drink.” He’s right. Good Bordeaux is medium-bodied, with a leafy, cedary, savory quality underlying subtle fruit flavors. It should not be thick and sweet-fruited, but rather dry and refreshing: a great accompaniment to roast chicken or pork chops, not just the clichéd beef dishes. Yes, it often needs a few years of age to open, and yes, sometimes Bordeaux can be corporate and stolid. Many famous labels are expensive, but a lot of great, less-expensive, under-the-radar bottles are out there.
Later, he suggests…
Sauternes and Barsac
As with sweet fortified wines, these dazzling sweet wines from neighboring regions of Bordeaux, augmented by the wondrous fungus Botrytis cinerea, the fabled noble rot, are largely consigned to memory. Yet, open a bottle and be reminded of their luscious, kaleidoscopic beauty. Good ones are expensive because they are risky to make and labor intensive. But what a treat. They are wonderful with cheese — the match with blue cheese is legendary. But they are surprisingly great with oysters, and my colleague Florence Fabricant once suggested I try them with latkes. It was brilliant.
For some reason, Bordeaux and Sauternes (and Barsac) seem to be perceived as too expensive –
Not So!
Here are two recommendations for reintroducing the public to these exceptional wines. (Yes. We have more, but space is limited for this email)
For Bordeaux…
Chateau Beynat
CASTILLON COTES DE BORDEAUX 2019
The wines being cultivated today are some of the most exciting coming out of Bordeaux, as they represent a complete transformation of what ends up in bottles labeled “Beynat”. They are once more alive and curious, bottlings that skim the Bordelais surface without being pulled under by the tannic riptide.
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc
The wine is made with traditional foot treading, and aged 18 months in concrete tanks, amphora, or terracotta dolia. Because of this ability to look both to the past and the future, Alain has been labeled
“Magician Winemaker.”
He fully embraces this moniker in his no sulfite added wine named Abracadabra (also available from BNP).
Certified Organic Biodynamic
Château Beynat represents everything we love about this oft-overlooked kind of Bordeaux: Organic and Biodynamic farming, miniscule production, made all by hand. They’ve been making wine in the Right Bank for over 100 years, and they’ve remained impervious to the modern polish that has stripped others in the region of their character. A perfect example of a rare certified organic winery from one of the “lesser” appellations that still provides classic Bordeaux characteristics. Fresh and focused, with warmed cassis and plum puree notes backed by subtle warm earth and alder hints. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2029.
$156 per case (lowest price $140.40 with volume discount)
For Sauternes
CARMES DE RIEUSSEC SAUTERNES 2013
Château Rieussec was founded by Carmelite monks in Langon, and was ranked in 1855 as Premier Cru Classé. The estate was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984. At that time, the estate encompassed 110 hectares, 68 hectares of which were vineyards bordering Chateau D’Yquem.
Carmes de Rieussec, the second label of Château Rieussec, is selected using the same rigorous standards as the Grand Vin. The name pays homage to the Monks who created the estate.
Meticulous sorting of the grapes, barrel fermentation, and 18 months of barrel aging enhance the quality of the wine.
83% Semillion, 8% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Muscadelle
90 Points
The second wine of Rieussec, the 2013 Carmes de Rieussec is a blend of 83% Semillon, 9% Muscadelle and 8% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a lovely lemon curd, apricot and vanilla-scented nose with modest vigor. The palate has an edgy entry, with touches of citrus peel infusing the viscous fruit, and a dash of spice toward the finish.
$280 per case