Chateau de Cugat Bordeaux Superieur

Cugat is one of those under-the-radar Bordeaux estates that just overdelivers every time. Tucked away in Entre-Deux-Mers, Benoit Meyer and his family farm with a ton of care, working essentially organically on gravelly-clay soils similar to what you find in Pomerol. It is thoughtful, hands-on farming, and it shows in the glass.

The Bordeaux Superieur is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the current release has some nice age on it. It is drinking beautifully, with classic notes of spiced plum, blackcurrant, pepper, earth, and a little graphite. Smooth, balanced, and very classic in style, this is the kind of claret that just works, especially with simple, hearty bistro fare.