Meet Bordeaux legend Ivanhoe Johnston

Special tasting hours: Saturday, October 24th | 11:30 to 2:30
 
Stop by Saturday to meet Ivanhoe Johnston. The Johnston name is among the most storied in Bordeaux. The family arrived from Ireland and set up shop as wine merchants in 1734, and nearly 300 years later the house is still family run, making it one of the oldest négociants in Bordeaux. Their early clients included none other than Thomas Jefferson.

Today Ivanhoe leads the family business, Nath. Johnston & Fils, from its offices in the Chartrons, the historic heart of the Bordeaux wine trade. The company holds deep stocks of Bordeaux’s most famous names, and he’ll be pouring some fantastic wines on Saturday. Come taste, say hello, and hear his stories, full of insider knowledge on all things Bordeaux.

Ivanhoe will pour the following:

2021 Château Clos Marsalette Blanc, Pessac-Léognan

A small-production white from the von Neipperg family, the team behind Canon-la-Gaffelière. It’s 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sémillon, with honeyed citrus, grapefruit and lemon curd over a terrific mineral core. Layered, vibrant and seriously good, with a long, clean finish.
 
2019 Château La Confession, Saint-Émilion

From Jean-Philippe Janoueix, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from a great Right Bank vintage. Dark ruby with cassis, blackberry and ripe black cherry, supple ripe tannins, good freshness and a touch of nougat on the finish. Polished and elegant, a natural with dinner.
 
2016 Château Duluc de Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien

The second wine of 4th Growth Branaire-Ducru, made by the same team on the same gravel terroir. Classic 2016: refined and fresh, with red berries, currants and tobacco leaf, soft tannins and real finesse. Drinking beautifully now while its big brother ages.
 
2019 Château La Croix St. Georges, Pomerol

A tiny, mostly Merlot estate just a few rows from Le Pin, owned by the Janoueix family since 1932. Flowers, cherries, espresso and dark chocolate on the nose, then a rich, opulent, multi-layered palate finishing with cocoa and dusty black plums. Serious Pomerol pedigree.
 
2010 Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien, ex-château release

The showstopper. A 4th Growth from a legendary vintage, released directly from the château’s cellars, so provenance is perfect. Inky purple with mulberry, raspberry, black currant, graphite and floral notes, medium to full-bodied with sweet, ripe tannins and great length. Just hitting its stride.