Bordeaux, 2018. Chateau Pey La Tour

Pey La Tour is owned by the Dourthe Family. They are a pioneer for developing outstanding properties in Bordeaux. Founded in 1840 by Pierre Dourthe, it is now run by the eighth generation and continues its incredible run of producing some of the highest quality wines out there. Today they are the largest wine company in all of Bordeaux.

Though known for their Bordeaux holdings, Dourthe has also branched out into other French wine areas, managing properties in Champagne and the Languedoc as well. In each case their properties rise above the norm and produce top tier wines.

Unlike many producers here, Dourthe never aspired at being the most expensive wine on the block. Instead, they concentrated on incredible value and built a reputation that told their customers that if their name was on the bottle, you would be getting more than what you paid for. We taste scores of Bordeaux every month and almost without fail, Dourthe comes out as the best value. That is certainly the case here. If it cost twice as much, we wouldn't have been surprised. Fortunately, that's not the case.

At 84% Merlot, our selection comes in at the classic Bordeaux range. Violets and sweet plum take over the nose and promise the same on the palate. That promise is delivered and adds cranberry and spice to the mix. The entire enticement is bound by the enveloping finish of cherry and mint, ready to tackle a wild mushroom soup or classic Italian meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce.

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