A Médoc Cru Bourgeois from the Bouey family, who have farmed Bordeaux since 1821 and acquired Lestruelle in 1998. Merlot-led with a Cabernet Sauvignon backbone, grown on the gravel-over-limestone terroir of the northern Médoc and consulted by Stéphane Derenoncourt. Contemporary in style — round, fruit-forward, smooth — without sacrificing the structure that earned the Cru Bourgeois mention.

Mood: Friday-night Bordeaux, no apologies.

Tasting notes

Deep garnet-purple. Blackberry, black currant, fresh plum, with pencil-shavings, dusty earth, and a thread of ground pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, fine-grained tannins, juicy mid-palate, finish that lingers on dark fruit and a touch of forest floor. Decant 30 minutes for the perfume to open.

Food pairing

Standing rib roast, brisket, lamb shoulder, hard aged cheeses. Built for a Shabbos meat meal — substantial enough for the main course, polished enough for the cheese board after.

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