Organic 7-hectare Canon-Fronsac estate producing benchmark clay-limestone Merlot-Cabernet Franc at under EUR 20. Wine Advocate 92 points 2019; Decanter 91 points 2018. Superb local grape character at a price well below equivalent Right Bank.
Address: 33141 Saillans, France, Bordeaux
Second wine of Sociando-Mallet, a Cru Bourgeois that many critics rank above many classified growths in quality. La Demoiselle carries genuine Haut-Medoc character and Gautreau's uncompromising extraction approach at a fraction of the grand vin price.
The largest Cru Bourgeois in the Medoc at 170 hectares; reliable, fruit-forward Cabernet-dominant style with Medoc typicity at an accessible price. Good with lamb and hard cheeses.
A fifth-growth Haut-Medoc at a fraction of commune-appellation classified growth prices. Merlaut family management has brought steady quality improvements; dark fruit with classic Medoc cedar notes.
Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from a former Celestine priory estate; 51 hectares of typical Saint-Estephe clay soils produce robust, age-worthy Cabernet-dominant reds at under EUR 25. Decanter rates the 2018 at 93 points.
English-owned Gavin Quinney's benchmark Entre-Deux-Mers blanc: citrussy, grassy Sauvignon Blanc-led with a Semillon mid-palate weight. Decanter 91 points 2020. Excellent value for classic Bordeaux blanc.
The second wine of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Chasse-Spleen; classic Moulis typicity with dark fruit and structured tannins at well under EUR 20. An intelligent entry point to the Medoc for value seekers.
