Le Pauillac De Haut-Bages Liberal 2015, Pauillac, Bordeaux

It’s often difficult to think of value when you think Bordeaux but when you find wines like this Pauillac, under $50 that pack this much regional punch, and darkly fruited flesh, well it makes it easier to open our wallets and feel comfortable using the term, “value” as the wine way over delivers. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, with an average age of 35 years, and they are certified organic to boot! 2015 is one of the best vintages in the long history of this domaine and once you spend an evening with a bottle you will understand why. Dark, sexy, assertive fruit, tons of spice and cherry pipe tobacco, creamy vanilla and pencil shavings on the palate. There is plenty of tannin here so I recommend decanting for a couple hours if possible. Serve with big cuts of beef, stewed dishes, rich with winey sauce, or if you’re into it, game meats.