Château La Bastienne

Emmanuel Janoueix took over this Right Bank estate in 2000 and built it into one of Montagne-Saint-Émilion's best-kept secrets. The Merlot here thrives in clay and chalk-rich soils, with natural grass cover between the rows of vines helping to keep the vineyard healthy. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for a year before bottling. Try serving this velvety smooth red with roast beef, duck, or braised leg of lamb.