New "Légende" series of affordable négociant wines from Bordeaux's Domaines Barons de Rothschild

 

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Here's how the company describes this new line and what it is supposed to represent:

"Légende offers consumers a journey through the different terroirs and tastes of the heralded Bordeaux region through the eyes of one of the region’s most prestigious producers, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). “It all started in the nineties. We wanted to offer our consumers a discovery of the different terroirs and tastes of Bordeaux. A name had to be found. A name that could live up to the expectations. A hint to the Rothschild family and the rich history of Château Lafite. A légende was born.” Crafted by long-time Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) winemaker, Diane Flamand, Légende wines demonstrate a remarkable balance between tradition and modernity. With a product range that includes each of the five major appellations in Bordeaux: Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux Blanc, Médoc, Saint-Emilion and Pauillac, Légende wines have an approachable style, inspired by every day drinkability and enjoyment."

I think this is an impressive new series that might have good success in the American market if they can get younger consumers to bite. These wines are a nice step up from Mouton Cadet and a good example of the terrific Bordeaux wines you can buy these days at moderate prices.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende 2016 Pauillac Bordeaux ($55) This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot from Pauillac is very approachable and fresh with bright, with vibrant violet and blueberry aromas, deep black currant and red currant fruit and a hint of tobacco leaf on the finish. Clean, balanced and agile, but with just enough muscle and structure. It was spectacular with braised lamb shanks, and could definitely be cellared for a few more years. (92 Points)

 Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende 2016 St.-Emilion Bordeaux ($40) The St.-Emilion showcases the charms of Merlot with a velvety, plummy nose, generous raspberry, blueberry and plum fruit, baking spices, fruitcake, and a voluptuous finish that suggests easy early drinking. (90 Points)

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende 2016 Médoc ($  ) Ripe and toasty with a spicy nose and ripe plum, currant, cinnamon and tobacco flavors, it seems a little clumsy next to the Pauillac, but it's packed with flavor and well-made. I wonder if this bottle might have gotten a bit hot in transit. (86 Points)

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende 2017 Bordeaux Rouge ($19) I think this wine is just terrific for the price. What makes a texbook Bordeaux? Mostly black and a bit of red currant fruit, a little cinnamon, and delicate herb notes. There's not too much new oak on this wine and it's eminently drinkable. You could serve it with almost anything. It's really quite simple and inexpensive, but it shows the elegance and class that has made Bordeaux a renowned wine region for centuries. Definitely recommended. (89 Points)

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende 2019 Bordeaux Blanc ($19) A very nice white Bordeaux blend with clean, fresh melon, citrus and clover notes. A little more concentration would add a 'wow' factor, but as it stands, this is a versatile, very drinkable, lovely white. (88 Points)

 - Tim Teichgraeber