Regularly $202.04, on sale for $161.25six bottle sampler: $149.99 + tax (22% off!)

ordeaux's "Right Bank" (or Libournais) is a collection of classical wine regions bound together by their proximity to the city of Libourne, their position north of the Dordogne River, and penchant for the Merlot grape. Three have achieved particularly far reaching acclaim and recognition: Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, and Fronsac. These regions have been viticulturally active for centuries longer than their more Cabernet-centric "Left Bank" counterparts of the Medoc to the west. Saint-Émilion has, perhaps, found the most admirable balance of imposing complexity, affable accessibility, and impressive variety, which is why we’re so excited to offer three distinct examples in this “greatest hits” box set.

The region's blends are frequently among Bordeaux's most democratically composed.  Generally speaking, Merlot is the star, but most wines feature something of an ensemble cast, the Cabernets each playing important roles with Malbec making noteworthy cameos in many wines.  Cabernet Franc's role in Saint-Émilion is also elevated beyond that of most other appellations within Bordeaux, even headlining in a few wines.

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B“2009 in Saint-Émilion”

“2009 in Saint-Émilion”Regularly $202.04, on sale for $161.25

six bottle sampler: $149.99 + tax (22% off!)

t became clear even before the release of wines from the 2009 vintage that it was destined to be among the most celebrated years for Bordeaux in recent decades, effectively joining other "greatest hits" vintages such as 2005, 2000, and 1982.  Of course, hard working producers whose estates are environmentally blessed can often coax greatness out of even the most challenging years, but a fabulous vintage like 2009 still provides an excellent reason to celebrate. Each of the reds in this boxed set serves as a stellar ambassador to this memorable year.

Château Leydet-Valentin has been passed down from one generation to the next for centuries.  The estate's current proprietor, Frédéric Leydet, was not only born on the property but has grown up alongside it, consistently focusing on taking the vineyards and their resultant wines to the next level. He's spearheaded and advocated an increasingly hands on approach in the vineyard while employing considerably less intervention in the cellar, carefully allowing nature to take its course. Perhaps the most imposing and cellarable wine in the set, the Leydet-Valentin exudes the powerful plum fruit and chocolate-coffee richness of the world’s greatest Merlots.

Clos du Pavillon's "La Petite Folie" is an unusually Merlot-dominated Saint-Émilion. In fact, there's no other grape in sight. In Saint-Émilion, Merlot typically rules the roost with a percentage in most blends clocking in between 50 and 70, but a solo gig such as this is very rare. For us, as the drinkers/experiencers of this wine, it represents a great opportunity to taste top notch Merlot, unobscured, from the varietal's native habitat. We now know through recently acquired DNA evidence that Merlot is an offspring of Cabernet Franc (making it also the half-brother, so to speak, of Cabernet Sauvignon), so it's no surprise that the best known grapes of Bordeaux share an undeniable family resemblance. In contrast to the firmer, leaner physiques of the Cabernets, however, merlot tends a bit more toward voluptuousness, layering fleshy plum-like fruit with chocolate, coffee, and an herbaceousness that is often more subtle than that of its parent and half-sibling. The estate, itself, is owned and tended by Gonzague and Marjolaine (his oenologist wife) Maurice. They lovingly practice organic viticulture.

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“2009 in Saint-Émilion”Regularly $202.04, on sale for $161.25

six bottle sampler: $149.99 + tax (22% off!) If the "Folie" represents a notably Merlot-centric "yin," then Château Beynat's contribution to this box set is the complimentary "yang." A dynamic father and son duo of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon appear here at a 60/40 ratio.  The complete absence of Merlot is a striking novelty and presents another opportunity to taste the impact that each varietal has on Saint-Émilion's wines.  Cabernet Franc exudes its bright violet fruit and herbaceous intrigue while Cabernet Sauvignon, aided by the lovely ripeness afforded by the warm 2009 vintage, provides a sturdy frame of firm cassis and velvety tannin. The estate was established four generations ago in 1917

by Léonard Nebout. Today, his Ancestors, Nathalie Boyer and Alain Tourenne manage the estate and employ only sustainable practices to craft beautiful wines both here and in their neighboring Côtes de Castillon property. Like all great food cultures, the cuisine of Bordeaux centers around simplicity and abundance; use the freshest, highest quality ingredients, and use a lot of them. The complex red wines of Bordeaux tend to reward the shameless carnivore, so animal protein is a good starting point. Escargots cooked with tomato and brandy make a classic appetizer, along with figs wrapped in ham. The wonderfully simple agneau aux mejillotes - grass-fed lamb cooked slowly with white beans - is hearty and wholesome, especially served with a generous pile of mushrooms sauteed in whatever wine you plan to drink alongside. It's not necessary to keep things French - grilled steaks, stews, even burgers are always a nice match - but the authenticity-minded gourmand will inevitably want to try the famous Sauce Bordelaise. This rich gravy is the quintessential sauce of Bordeaux, made with red wine, shallots, butter, demi-glace, and bone marrow. Match it with any protein or simply pour it all over your body.

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Château Beynat, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France 2009 $29.99{sustainable} 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet SauvignonCURRANT & PLUM, BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE, HERBAL NOTESFrom its humble beginnings just shy of a century ago to its current status as a producer of imposingly elegant and deliciously singular reds, the legacy of Château Beynat spans four generations of devotion among the descendants of the estate's founder, Leonard Nebout. This fantastic Saint Émilion with a surprising amount of Cabernet Franc (and an unexpected absence of Merlot) gleams with deep purple fruit, rich dark chocolate, and sumptuous herbal notes. A real gem!Serving Suggestion: Roast cornish hen seasoned with sage and adorned with bacon & chopped shallots. Hearty winter salads of root vegetables and kale seasoned with white balsamic vinegar & dill.

Ch. Leydet-Valentin, St. Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France 2009 $36.99

{sustainable} 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc

SILKY, LUSH, GORGEOUS TO SMELL AND TOASTY

Here's a secret, Leydet-Valentin's vineyard is next to Château Cheval Blanc: perhaps the most expensive and ostentatious St. Emilion ever. The wine is fermented and then put into light toast French oak barrels for 15 months with NO rackings! (transfers to new barrels) A must have Bordeaux from 2006. This tastes like a fine crust of fresh baked bread with black currants and blackberry fruit.

Serving Suggestion: New Zealand rack of lamb in a red currant sauce or beef tenderloin with mushroom duxelle.

Clos du Pavillon - Saint Emilion "La Petite Folie", Bordeaux, France, 2009$26.99{organic} 100% Merlot

REDCURRANT & KIRSCH, HERBAL ELEGANCE, SWEET ESPRESSOCould one wine singlehandedly wash away all of the strange misconceptions about Merlot which have become so mystifyingly fashionable of late? Sure! Many could, but this example of the grape working alone in its Right Bank Bordeaux home turf is especially up to the task. Cheekily taking its name from the guest house where, away from prying eyes, a séducteur would be free to accept visits from séductées, this flagship Merlot exudes a classical combination of red and black fruit, dark chocolate, and comforting spicy warmth. Don't hate, y'all.

Serving Suggestion: Veal slowly roasted w/ rich Bordelaise demi-glace. Olive oil poached fingerling potatoes w/ shallots & arugula.

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Regularly $202.04, on sale for $161.25six bottle sampler: $149.99 + tax (22% off!)

“2009 in Saint-Émilion”