Ch. St Georges merlot-cabernet-cabernet franc 2016

Bordeaux can be a minefield. Sure, the top wines are world-beaters, spectacularly brilliant wines that set benchmarks for everyone else. But with thousands of properties across many different appellations, and some mediocre winemaking all too often the norm, it can be hard to find value and quality.

This wine has both in one bottle. No doubt helped by the absolutely stellar 2016 vintage, this wine nonetheless stands on its own merits. Classic cassis and plum fruit, with pencil shavings and cedarwood underpinnings.

It needs half an hour in a decanter, but will reward you for it.