The little village in Michigan where I grew up—and live today—has two stoplights and six wineries. Sounds weird, but the truth is, wine growers choose their locations based on finding the best agricultural conditions for growing their grapes.
This is a way to find great wines at a better price. Pauillac, France is small town of 4,924 people, yet many of the finest wineries in the world call it home. Three of France’s famous “first growths,” Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild are all native to Pauillac. It stands to reason that if three AMAZING reds live here, some of their neighbors are likely to be very good and cost a lot less. And that’s the case.
Château Duhart-Milon
This is a wonderful fruity red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I have been drinking it for several years, and do enjoy it. The thing that distinguishes this wine for me is the combination of a great opening flavor, and a fine and smooth finish.
The 2017 vintage is sold on the Binnys.com website for $60.
Château Haut-Batailley
A very dense wine, this is a flavorful and fruitful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine explodes on its initial tasting, and has a lot of fruit, including black cherry, blueberry, and hints of citrus. The finish is still a bit harsh, but will improve with time in the bottle.
The 2014 vintage is priced at $38.
Les Tourelles de Longueville
A much more approachable blend of mostly merlot fruit is what this wine offers. With moderate fruit and a hint of chocolate, it has a soft texture and mouth feel. It will pair with beef and lamb and feel like a wine that’s worth three times its price.
The 2015 vintage is priced at $37.
