2018 Chateau Le Peyrat Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s Côtes de Castillon isn’t on the tip of every wine lover’s tongue—yet. But just like neighboring St.-Émilion in the 1980s, there’s a revolution going on here, and prices haven’t come close to catching up with quality.

Château Le Peyrat is a perfect example. Their 2018 boasts bold, dark fruit, spice, and rich tannins—not to mention 91-point Editors’ Choice honors from Wine Enthusiast—but it’s still practically a secret in the US. 

This wine is St.-Émilion in everything but the name. Pouring a dark-ruby in the glass, it even looks like a St-Émilion. The nose is powerful and full of bold, ripe fruit, highlighted by scents of dark plums and cherries, and accented by hints of spice. Once the wine touches your palate, you’re swept off your feet by a richness and power that carry the dark fruit, cacao, and minerality into a long, decadent finish.

There’s been a land rush in Castillon in recent years. The Perse family, owners of the $300 icon Château Pavie, now have a property there, as do the von Neippergs, whose Château Canon la Gaffelière was named Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year. Despite this, prime land here is still less than a tenth as expensive as in St.-Émilion—which translates to exceptional wine values across the board.

Still, with all that Peyrat has—bold fruit, critical acclaim, and low prices—there’s one thing they don’t have: a website. There’s enough demand from private clients that almost all their production goes to loyal customers in France and the UK. 

It’s hard to find Bordeaux bargains this good. It’s one you’ll always be glad to have on hand and open without hesitation.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.50%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2030
• 85% Merlot15% Cabernet Franc
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork