| Producer | Ch Castegens |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 05788 |
| Size | 750ml |
| ABV | 14.50% |
It's hard to believe at this price point, but this wine was a Wine Enthusiast Editor's Choice last vintage and Wine & Spirits Best Buy before that. The 2019 is better still. Vines were already planted here in 1466 when Jehan de Las Symas purchased them from a neighbor based in Saint Emilion (just a few miles away). Today Jean de Boigne continues his family's 160+ year stewardship of the grapes and chateau first built the late 1400s and rebuilt in 1868. Sharing the same clay/limestone soils as Saint Emilion, Merlot takes the lead here with 18% Cabernet Franc for perfume and vibrancy and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon for a touch of extra stuffing. The Merlot ages in French oak (one-third new) for richness and roundness while the Cabernets stay in steel to add freshness and vigor.
On first pour, this is dark, earthy, smoky, mineral and tight. Over just 30 minutes (in bottle or decanter), though, the wine opens wonderfully. Dark blackberry and blackcurrant fruit swell to fill the mid-palate while accents of sweet tobacco, wild herb, dark chocolate and crushed gravel give complexity. The tannins begin to fan out, eventually turning soft and round with just enough grip to shape the dark fruit and spice through a generous, rich, finish. Pretty brilliant value.
For You If: You’re after an all-purpose red that has enough fruit to please a cocktail crowd and the structure and sophistication to charm discerning diners at table, too.
Not For You If: You’re looking for the more fruit-forward style of an American red blend – this has generous fruit but balanced by tobacco leaf and cedar earthiness.
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