What an incredible value! I shared this bottle with a friend of mine as we chatted the evening away. We both could not believe the price for as good as it is. At the end of the night, not a drop remained. Château Bourdieu was founded in 1464 on the right bank of the Gironde. The blend for the 2018 Bourdieu No1 is 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Malbec. As easy at it is on your pocketbook, it's even easier to sip with soft notes of juicy blackcurrant, dried sage, black licorice, sweet oak, and a hint of iron. I bought a second bottle and had it on my own. Though I am enjoying it right now as I write this, it's so much better with a friend. Good wines are like that.

For those of you looking for easy-drinking Bordeaux that over delivers at its price, Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux is a great place to start. Located in the northern right bank, Blaye produces fruity and charismatic reds that drink well in their youth, and the Bourdieu is no exception. A blend of 89% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Malbec, this wine marries oak and fruit with aromas of plum, cassis and vanilla spice. Weighted and full on the palate, there’s a distinctive sweetness of fruit and round midpalate leading to a clean finish. A wonderful wine that drinks as well, if not better, than many of our other Bordeaux in the 25+ range.

When a vineyard worker says he “likes working here because when the boss works alongside you, his hands are in the same soil as yours” we listen. That boss is Luc Schweitzer, who with the help of his two sons, manages the works at this property in Côtes-de-Blaie. The N° 1 is a cuvée of the best exposed vineyards. Loads of chocolate and cassis, supported by its firm but ripe tannins. I would suggest pairing this with something bold like a leg of lamb, or strong cheeses.