Arguably the whole point of a supermarket wine is that it’s ready to drink off the shelf. Many of these are just not capable of ageing, but there are exceptions – for example the reds of Bordeaux. Even the most simple bottlings (selling for around 3€) can keep well for a few years, and for just a bit more money you get something that ages really well.

Here I cover Auchans Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, from 2018 and 2019. I wrote about them in 2021 and 2022, respectively – they were superb at that point of their evolution. I opened another bottles of each recently, and liked them just as much as my first bottles – I must say this happens very rarely, regardless of the price range.

Pierre Chanau Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux 2018

At its peak, no tertiary notes whatsoever. This is harmony, every detail is where it should be. Elegant, seamless, the balance is perfect. Proper Bordeaux typicity, ripe, black plums, cedar box define the aromatics. Velvety smooth and bone dry, tannins adding just enough grip but not hardness. Ideal 13% ABV. A complete wine, so enjoyable. 87 points. 100% merlot if I’m not mistaken. Drink now – 2026.

Pierre Chanau Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux 2019

A lovely nose, it’s developing in a classical, beautiful way. Some tobacco notes on top of prunes, spices, and something salty. Medium-bodied and so smooth. It’s ripe when it comes to aromatics, but the ABV is moderate (13%) and good acidity makes this vivid. Classical Bordeaux elegance, a lovely everyday red. 88 points. Drink now – 2027.