{"title":"The Singular Wines of Domaine Uchida and More Biodynamic Bordeaux!","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn a region steeped in tradition and marked by its own rich history of producing some of the world’s capital-g Great Wines, it’s not often that a relative newcomer can show up and establish themselves as having a unique and distinctive style while still honoring that storied past and local heritage. Osamu Uchida is something of a maverick in that regard, arriving in Bordeaux from Hiroshima first in 1999 to study viticulture and oenology, and eventually establishing his own domaine in 2015 with .6ha of vines in Cissac-Médoc. It’s not a particularly popular spot for new winemakers, especially those looking to work organically and make minimal-intervention wines. Osamu sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity, reflecting that “Everyone was telling me don’t go to Bordeaux, anywhere else is great. So I decided to explore Bordeaux. Then people advised me ok if you go to Bordeaux go to the right bank not the left bank. So I settled in Pauillac on the left bank.” Since then he has expanded to about 2.4ha of vines across five plots in Haut-Médoc, all farmed biodynamically since 2019. He lives in Pauillac, just a stone’s throw from Mouton Rothschild. Everything Osamu does is meticulous and with intention: de-stemming by hand, maceration at cool temperatures and fermentations with native yeasts with no fining or filtration and either no or very minimal use of sulfur. The wines are elegant, heady and pure-fruited while expressing all the character and terroir that makes this land so special. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023s are beautifully approachable on release but have enough substance to age a decade or more easily. His Miracle Cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from his original .6ha plot of vines, planted in deep sandy soils over clay and limestone. The vineyard is remote and surrounded by trees, contributing to Osamu's agroforestry approach. This year he has released two brand new wines, Classical M (100% Merlot) and Classical C (100% Cabernet Sauvignon), both of which show clear varietal character while carrying the same remarkable freshness and vivacity that typify all of Osamu’s wines. Alcohol percentages range from 12.5%-13.5% and never feel clunky or over-extracted. There is still structure and tension, and all three of the reds are exceptional and worth stashing a bottle or two if you can, as we don’t know just when they might come around again. The whites are equally as compelling, his Pheromone Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris) showing beautiful texture and lift while the 2024 Serenade (also Sauvs Blanc and Gris but with a longer maceration) is ethereal and complex while maintaining an elegant composition and poise. These whites are just as age-worthy as the reds, with great acid structure and density that suggest many layers that may take some time to reveal themselves. With total production between 3,000-5,000 bottles annually, it’s a rare treat to be able to offer these wines that will only become more sought after as the word gets out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to these singular wines from Domaine Uchida, we’ve recently received some shipments of outstanding Bordeaux wines, all farmed organically \/ biodynamically and at a range of price points. Of particular note are the 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, showing beautiful richness and depth at an unbelievable price, and the outstanding 2019 Hauts de Smith (Smith Haut-Lafitte) Pessac-Leognan – a wonderful vintage of this wine and consistently one of the best values for left-bank Bordeaux. \u003cem\u003e-Jeff DiLorenzo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e**Uchida Wines arrive Wednesday 3\/25**\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"planquette-2022-vin-de-france-medoc","title":"Planquette 2022 Vin de France (Medoc)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDidier Michaud created \"Planquette,\" one of the most unique domains in Bordeaux on 1.7 hectares in the Medoc with 30 to 100 year-old vines on limestone with thin soils of clay with sand and stones.  The estate has old vines of Merlot Queue Rouge and massale selection Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed organically with just a little compost and shallow plowing. Vinification with wild yeasts, no extraction and zero added sulfur. \u003cspan class=\"PBLongTxt PBItemDesc ng-scope ng-isolate-scope c-app-product-tabs c-app-product-tabs--tabs c-app-product-tabs--horizontal c-app-product-tabs--left\" itemprop=\"description\" target-of=\"appProductTabs\" app-product-tabs=\"\" template=\"tabs\" default-texts='[\"Description\",\"Onglet #n\"]' first-opened=\"true\" max-opened=\"1\" add-reviews=\"1\" add-aggregate-rating=\"true\" css-modifier=\"horizontal left\" import-list=\"[]\" include-all-reviews=\"0\" restrict-page-builder-tabs-class=\"\" offset-top-elem=\"#headerarea\" description=\"description\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003e85% aged in barrels (none new) for 14 months and 15% in amphora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. This is one of the most \"natural\" and deliciously old-fashioned wines of Bordeaux. During the 2021 vintage Didier was forced to retire due to health issues and the estate was taken over by two capable and experienced winemakers, Blandine Prévot et Jérémy Borde. The 2022 shows very ripe cassis and blackberry aromas with licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and earth. The palate is dense, deep and velvety, with black fruit liqueur, earth and mineral flavors. The mid-palate is elegant with a core of chalky black fruit and minerals that continues in the long finish. This is a beautiful Bordeaux of terroir, unfettered by additives, over-extraction or new oak, showing lovely flavors of fruit and earth and perfect balance despite the weight and ripeness of the vintage. This is a delightful, natural Bordeaux at a crazy price - serve cool and decant if drinking now and put a case away for five to ten years as well...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit of the Vines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45957565219041,"sku":"20818","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/Planquette2022.jpg?v=1758976826"},{"product_id":"hauts-de-smith-smith-haut-lafitte-2019-pessac-leognan","title":"Hauts de Smith (Smith Haut-Lafitte) 2019 Pessac-Leognan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Blended at the same time as Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Les Hauts de Smith 2019 was crafted and aged with the same care as the estate’s Grand Vin; the entire winemaking process is exactly the same.\" - From the website of Smith Haut-Lafite. The wine has a bouquet with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, a hint of chocolate and sweet spices. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a supple and elegant finish tinged with graphite. Drinking beautifully now and over the next ten years. The 2019 is \"delicious\" says Neil Martin in Vinous! (\u003cem\u003eIn organic farming since 2016,  with many biodynamic practices for nearly 10 years, and are still amazed at the benefits of medicinal herbs in preventing vine diseases. We grow our own herbs, including yarrow, horsetail and tansy, to make decoctions which we often spray onto the vines using horses.The vineyards span a privileged location, surrounded by woodland, orchards and beehives, which in turn enhances biodiversity. We recently planted trees in the heart of the vineyards to extend this commitment to nature to our wines\u003c\/em\u003e.)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot Vinicole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47181064077537,"sku":"3438083119017","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/HautsdeSmith_SmithHaut-Lafite_2018Pessac-Leognan-FB.jpg?v=1720030982"},{"product_id":"cru-godard-2022-francs-cotes-de-bordeaux","title":"Cru Godard 2022 Francs Cotes de Bordeaux","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe lovely Chateau Cru Godard is 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec, certified organic since 2010. Harvested by hand, natural fermentation, and zero new oak. Château Cru Godard’s vines grow on southerly exposed hillsides adjacent to the Saint-Emilion appellation, geographically closer to Bergerac than to the city of Bordeaux. The wine is fermented by indigenous yeast in stainless steel tanks and is then matured 50% in tank and 50% in used barriques that have seen two passages. The nose offers aromas of sweet black fruits, tobacco, and cocoa. The mid-weight palate has soft flavors of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, and coffee framed by savory earth notes and fine-grained tannins. Just delicious and a great value!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot Vinicole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47295140462817,"sku":"3760174930042","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/CruGodard.jpg?v=1769052527"},{"product_id":"peybonhomme-2022-blaye-cotes-de-bordeaux-quintessence","title":"Peybonhomme 2022 Quintessence Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Quintessence of Peybonhomme is a selection of the best juice from tastings each year and is primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, a portion of which is aged in new oak. The 2022 is a beautiful and lively Bordeaux showing deep aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, spice and earth. The palate is supple and ripe, lifted by cool acidity, with complex black fruits, earth and mineral flavors with a long finish. The wine broadens and gains complexity with time open so decant if possible. A versatile food wine, this beautifully balanced Bordeaux will accompany anything from roast chicken to pork dishes to steak. Put a few in your cellar for a mature experience, best 2026 to 2040.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit of the Vines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47621728403681,"sku":"28638","price":33.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/products\/Peybonhomme-20-Quintessen_95f5395b-915b-46b4-8bc2-966044697254.jpg?v=1709347995"},{"product_id":"clos-puy-arnaud-2022-castillon-cotes-de-bordeaux","title":"Clos Puy Arnaud 2022 Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eClos Puy Arnaud is located at an altitude of 90 to 100 meters on an extraordinary plateau terroir. It lies on limestone with starfish fossils mixed with a few limestone veins from Castillon, located in the East continuity of Saint-Emilion. Certified organic and Biodynamic. On opening it has a deep and powerful nose with dark cherry and some blueberry fruit, with subtle hints of violet and rose. There's an intense concentration but not particularly heavy on the palate, rather elegant but with a firm tannic backbone and great acidity that should allow for many years of aging. 5 years in the cellar, decanting or opening well in advance are recommended. A sensational Bordeaux value!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Twins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48010331980001,"sku":"3760219380610","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/ClosPuyArnaud.1.jpg?v=1771869728"},{"product_id":"haut-brion-1989-pessac-leognan","title":"Haut Brion 1989 Pessac Leognan","description":"","brand":"Private - SSMNY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48016370434273,"sku":"30712","price":1899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/20260224_134655.jpg?v=1771959332"},{"product_id":"uchida-osamu-2023-haut-medoc-classical-c","title":"Uchida, Osamu 2023 Haut-Medoc Classical C","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a new cuvee of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany the Classical M which is all Merlot. Only two barrels were produced. Soils are clay\/limestone and vines are 50-80 years-old, all farmed biodynamically since 2019. It is aged two years in 500L barrels. The nose shows big Cabernet fruit but with a classic sort of dusty Bordeaux profile that adds elegance and complexity. There is incredible freshness with balanced acidity and fine tannins that suggest great aging potential, although it is quite delicious now. It has all the hallmarks that make Osamu's wines great - lift, freshness, energy, and a composure that feels like a \"greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts\" situation. At 12.5% abv it shows great restraint while still full of character and subtle power. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avant-Garde Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48113145151713,"sku":"16513543516","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/UchidaC.jpg?v=1774032539"},{"product_id":"uchida-osamu-2023-haut-medoc-miracle","title":"Uchida, Osamu 2023 Haut-Medoc Miracle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Osamu's original plantings, a picturesque secluded vineyard surrounded by forest and home to 50+ year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in deep sandy soils. There's a pure-fruited energy and lift to this bottling, lighter than the Classical C but still with a good foundation for aging. Tannins are finely knit and acidity shines through as with most of Osamu's wines, a throwback style of Claret that is delicious now but should evolve nicely over the next 5-10 years or more. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avant-Garde Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48113146200289,"sku":"6516513545","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/UchidaMiracle.jpg?v=1774032519"},{"product_id":"uchida-osamu-2023-serenade-blanc","title":"Uchida, Osamu 2024 Serenade Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris from clay limestone soils. Grapes see 22 days maceration and are fermented with native yeasts. The Sauvignon Gris ages in acacia barrels and Sauvignon Blanc in stainless steel, giving a combination of texture and energy that complement each other nicely. It drinks somewhere in-between a white and fullblown orange wine, with delicate but exotic aromatics and just enough structure to hold up without being overbearing. Elegant, ethereal and complex only begin to describe this wine - truly unique in the world of white Bordeaux but an excellent bottle for the table, or if you feel inclined to stash one away it should be even more rewarding in several years' time. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avant-Garde Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48113148199137,"sku":"8468413549","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/UchidaSerenade_1f51c4e2-2cc5-45d4-8223-95bd6bf5cd17.jpg?v=1774040483"},{"product_id":"uchida-osamu-2023-pheromone-blanc","title":"Uchida, Osamu 2023 Pheromone Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sauvignon Gris from sandy gravel soils overlying a clay-limestone sub-layer. The grapes see about three hours of skin contact and age on the lees in a combination of new barriques, sandstone amphora, and stainless steel for four months with battonage once every 2 weeks. Unfined and unfiltered, it's a lively and expressive white that still maintains a delicate air and a strong foundational structure. Approachable and easy to enjoy, it's a unique take on Bordeaux Blanc that pays homage to the past but is exciting in its present and future.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avant-Garde Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115261079777,"sku":"519519519","price":72.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/3790\/6145\/files\/UchidaPher.jpg?v=1774105541"}],"url":"https:\/\/chambersstwines.com\/collections\/the-singular-wines-of-domaine-uchida-and-more-from-bordeaux.oembed","provider":"Chambers Street Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}