One of our all-time favorite Cru Bourgeois selections, this gem from Château Lamothe-Bergeron showcases the kind of quality and character that overdelivers vintage after vintage. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot rounding out the blend, it’s a textbook example of precision paired with approachability. A great success—as with so many 2016s—it strikes a beautiful balance between a classic, fresh profile and the kind of density and refinement that define the vintage's reputation. The wine is red-fruited, fresh, long on the palate, and bright in tone. It carries all the hallmarks of a true claret, offering structure and elegance, but also delivers a surprising level of complexity that far exceeds its modest price point. This is easily one of my favorite value picks on our shelves, a wine that consistently punches above its weight. Still early in its maturity, it already offers charm and drinkability, yet there’s no doubt it will reward patience. I fully expect bottles to drink beautifully over the next decade or more, developing additional nuance and depth along the way. For fans of classic Bordeaux who appreciate value and pedigree in equal measure, this is a must-have.

Composed of 52% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot sourced from vines rooted in Garonne gravel soils and averaging 25 years in age. The wine fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and aged 18 months in 30% new oak. This 2016 is good to go but can also be cellared over the next decade or so. Plush and juicy spiced plum, black tea, orange zest, and dried rose petals — comes off as grin-inducing proper claret. The outstanding price turns the grin into a beaming smile. Yes, please!

The clean and fragrant nose from this excellent quality 2016 has dark cranberry, orange peel and vanilla cream. On the palate, it starts out quickly with bright fruit and light white pepper which very quickly mellows and expands into plusher and rounded black fruits. Accompanying these flavors are light tobacco and baking spices, dominated by nutmeg. Very nice!