Château Haut Méthée 2018

There are some real bargains to be found when you look beyond the grand châteaux names of Bordeaux. We've had close contacts here right from the start and continue that tradition with our Bordeaux-born buyer for the area, Jean-Marc, a talent at snapping up parcels of great-value, quality wines. Château Haut Méthée is one, from a small winery close to Côtes de Bourg and Blaye. Like its Right Bank friends, Merlot is the favoured grape. On these silty, limestone soils this variety ripens well, producing rich, plummy character. 2018 resulted in wines that are “beautifully structured with ripe fruit and potent tannins” stated critic James Suckling. Unoaked, this red has lovely fruit depth. Open early. Great with a Sunday roast or with cheese.