Château Patache d’Aux 2018 — The Character of a Classic Northern Médoc
Fnding a well-made Médoc with sufficient bottle age to reveal its character, yet with years of life still ahead is particularly satisfying. Château Patache d’Aux 2018 offers precisely that pleasure.
Situated in the northern Médoc, the estate has long been associated with the traditions of Bordeaux’s Cru Bourgeois wines: sound vineyard management, a Cabernet-led blend and a style that places structure and balance ahead of extravagance.
The château’s history is unusually colourful. The property belonged to the Knights of Aux from 1632 until the French Revolution, subsequently serving as a coaching inn. The horse-drawn carriage depicted on its distinctive label recalls that chapter of its past.
The 2018 Vintage
Bordeaux’s 2018 growing season was marked by a difficult, wet spring followed by an exceptionally warm and dry summer. At Château Patache d’Aux, severe hail damage added to the challenges of the year.
The surviving crop nevertheless achieved impressive ripeness. The resulting wine combines the generosity of the vintage with the freshness and definition that the best northern Médoc properties can retain.
Now eight years from harvest, the 2018 has entered an appealing stage of development, with its youthful fruit beginning to settle into the more savoury character expected of mature claret.
Critical Acclaim
Decanter — 93/100
A panel tasting conducted in London on 1 February 2023 by Georgina Hindle, Vincenzo Arnese and Daphne Teremetz praised the wine’s classic Cabernet aromas, refinement, lively acidity and well-judged concentration.
Jancis Robinson — 16.5+/20
Robinson singled out the wine’s richness, texture and ageing potential, regarding it as among the most serious Médoc Crus Bourgeois of the vintage and suggesting that its quality could stand alongside classed-growth Bordeaux.
Wine Enthusiast — 90/100
Further recognition from an established international wine publication.
At the Table and in the Cellar
The wine’s blackcurrant fruit, fine tannic structure and savoury undertones make it a natural companion to roast beef, venison, lamb and other richly flavoured dishes. It would also be an excellent choice for a traditional Sunday lunch or a winter dinner with friends.
Decanter’s recommended drinking window is 2023–2032, allowing Members to enjoy the wine now or retain several bottles for future occasions. A little time in the glass, or gentle decanting, may help reveal its full character.
Wine Details
Producer: Château Patache d’Aux
Vintage: 2018
Region: Médoc, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Cru Bourgeois
Style: Dry red wine
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Decanter panel rating: 93/100
Jancis Robinson: 16.5+/20
Wine Enthusiast: 90/100
Recommended drinking window: 2023–2032
Bottle size: 75cl
Case: Six bottles
Delivery: Included in the CountryClubuk Member price for UK delivery
The CountryClubuk Cellar
Our Tasting Panel previously selected the château’s 2016 vintage for Members and are pleased to welcome Patache d’Aux back in its acclaimed 2018 expression.
Recommended retail price: £168 per case of six bottles
Exclusive CountryClubuk Member price: £129 per case of six bottles, including UK mainland delivery (courier surcharge for Highlands & Islands).



