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.

Chateau Tuilerie Pages

In 1936 a small group of winegrowers from Monségur, joined forces to overcome the wine industry’s economic difficulties and modernize the wine making process. They created “Les Vignerons Réunis de Monségur” Cooperative. A century later, there are more than 90 members of the cooperative, and in 2010 the whole place got updated and modernized. Think softer lighter Merlot, perfect for lighter fare and even fish. If you need red wine with fish.

Chateau Vieux Lescours

Saint-Émilion is the oldest area of Bordeaux and its Roman ruins are a frequent reminder. Still, when the region was getting codified, Saint-Émilion was left out – it was sleepy and nearly forgotten. That changed in the 1990s when the garagiste movement of tiny Saint-Émilion wineries started making stunning, trend-setting wines. So “Old” (Vieux) Lescours is both Old School and modern.

Chazeaux Des Beuchottes

In warmer spots in the southern region of Languedoc-Roussillon, Pinot Noir can prosper but only in the cooler sites. With Chazeaux des Beuchottes, these cooler sites help produce complex, bright and fresh Pinot Noir. At this price, we dare you to find better Pinot Value!

Colline Grenache

Colline’s Grenache vines are baked in the sun around the town of Cébazon in eastern Languedoc, and still enjoy enough of the Mediterranean breezes to retain some acidity. The winemaking is more traditional than modern (cold soaking the grapes for two days is still new thinking) but otherwise the grapes stay on the skins in vats for at least a month; then see long aging in cement cubes. The old guys would be proud

Corasado

Bodegas Lo Nuevo has unquestionably modernized their winery; it’s practically a technical marvel now. But what makes these wines special is the place, Jumilla, with its intense weather. It’s tough ground for most grapes, but Monastrell (the French, who borrowed it from Spain, call it Mourvedre) and Cariñena (once again, a borrowed grape dubbed Carignan by the French) can thrive here.

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.

Darley Alexander Valley Red

Darley is 100% single vineyard Cabernet from a famed vineyard in Alexander Valley. One that currently produces some $75 Cabernet, a $200+ Malbec (what?!?!?), and an $85 Sauvignon Blanc among other craziness. 93% Cabernet, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Merlot showcases intense black fruits with lengthy velvety tannins.

Domaine de La Fidelite Clos de Davet Rouge

This is a fairly new estate, founded by the daughter of one of the most influential figures in the region, Bernard Clement. Laurence de la Farge, and her husband, Geraud, built on Clement’s legacy; today their children, Antoine and Sophie, run this large and successful domaine. Their vineyard extends over 1300 acres, and the wines are slowly fermented and then aged in concrete for six months – so very traditional and terroir-driven.

Domaine des Florets Reliance

Domaine Lerys Tradition

The family estate Domaine Lérys was founded in 1861 in Villeneuve les Corbières, with vineyards planted on steep schist soils, not such a different landscape from what you find in Spain’s Priorat. The Rhone grapes like Carignan, Grenache and Syrah grown in Fitou are more generous than they are burly. Their Tradition bottling combines 60% Carignan (tangy and almost cranberry like) with dense and deep Grenache.

Domaine Priou Pinot Noir

François et Jean-François Priou mostly grow Sauvignon Blanc along the River Cher; their Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is a great value. Certain places that didn’t used to be able to ripen certain grapes are finding it easier to show off. While you might not think of the Loire Valley for Pinot Noir, it’s routinely grown there and, if you haven’t had a chance to drink any of the ethereal versions of the grape in this region, now it’s your chance.