Chateau Landreau Cuvee La Roseau

In the 1950s, two families joined forces; the Carreaus as vineyard experts and the Bayles as winemakers, but they had both been in their respective business for more than a century. They’ve since collected more vineyards from the family and from neighbors, including Château Landreau in 1995, a 40-acre estate in Côtes de Bourg with red clay soils and a view of the Gironde River. This is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and very, very classic.

Chateau Malartic Skiff

From the prestigious Château Malartic-Lagravière, Le Skiff is their so-called “second wine.” But don’t be fooled — 83% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot gives it depth, dark fruit, and velvety texture that drinks like first-class Bordeaux. The Bonnie family farms sustainably, harvests by hand, and ages the wine in French oak for 15 months — so what ends up in your glass is polished, plush, and seriously charming. It’s Bordeaux at its best: elegant, balanced, and meant for lingering evenings. Think more romantic stroll along the Seine… less Macron getting slapped by his wife.

Chateau Peynaud Bagnac

Bordeaux has had a string of highly touted vintages: 2018 comes to mind, tasting like Napa Cab blends. Then along comes 2020, another vintage for everyone to talk about. You should check out this blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauv and 5% Cab Franc.

Daou Cabernet

Georges and Daniel Daou didn’t just buy land in Paso Robles, they bought the old Hoffman Mountain Ranch and its famed barn as well. Founded by Dr. Stanley Hoffman in 1964, this was the site of some legendary wines. I can go on about the 1976 and 1977 HMR Cabernet, but then that would be rude. Let’s just say that Daou wines have an excellent and established pedigree. Their Cabernet is solely from estate fruit; powerful and plump.

Dosoris Lane Proprietary Red

Maybe one of the most hyped up wines this year, Dosoris Lane is all about showing what type of crazy quality you can produce for under $15. Think black pepper notes from a little Syrah. The black fruits in the middle suggest a little bit of Cabernet; the red fruits and white pepper hint at Grenache. Put it all together and you have some epic red wine from the sunny south of France, with expansive and bright flavors.

Histoire De Grains Marselan

Throughout the expansive Roussillon-Languedoc are some of the more adventurous French grapes with which you might not be familiar – Marselan is at the top of the heap. It’s a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, far lighter than Cabernet but with some of its strengths and backbone. Bordeaux has just recently chosen it as a newly approved grape there, which is no small feat!

Kingstree Cabernet

This is a tasty little gem unearthed by the pros at Banshee Wines. Banshee, started by three guys who just happened to like wine and wanted an excuse to be out west, hasn't been around long but they sure have kicked off righteously during their short career. They’ve always been focused upon cooler climate sites, especially with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and at the prices they offer their wines, it’s no surprise that things have gone swimmingly well.

La Hermandad De La Uva Cabernet Franc

Lillie's Collection Red

Guenoc Winery Langtry Estate Lillie’s Collection Victorian Claret –The Langtry estate’s history is not just that it was planted by Lillie Langtry, a once famed and adventurous Victorian actress. The vineyard was nearly forgotten but rescued back in the 1970s by Orville Magoon. This is 49% Malbec, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petite Sirah and 2% Petite Verdot.

Meyer Family Spitfire Cabernet