Thats why were thrilled to bring you the 2019 Chteau Bourdieu Blaye Ctes de Bordeaux. Weve got anallocation for Wine Access members at just $18, down to $16 per bottle on cases.

We tasted this wine in the cool cellars at Chteau Bourdieu, and it stood out as one of the best under-$20 values weve ever seen from the region. With our sample still staining the glass, we claimed all we could.

Youll only need a swirl and a sip to see why this Bourdieu joined wines from Margaux and Pauillac in the top 2% of more than 8,500 Decanter World Wine Awards entrants. A little shy at the beginning, it opens up to a fantastic nose of black raspberry and warm plum, with accents of savory leather, tobacco leaf, allspice, cedar, and crushed violets. By the time the last spice and herbal notes finish lingering on your palate, your head will be awash in the glory of Bordeauxand the bottles bargain price will be the last thing on your mind.

Chteau Bourdieu dates back to the 15th century but its modern history goes back to proprietor Luc Schweitzers youth. On his way to boarding school, hed pass by and gaze at the estate, and as time went on, he became increasingly determined that someday hed own the gorgeous chteau. Over the years, Schweitzerwho came from a family of Algerian grapegrowersgained an even deeper appreciation for the terroir in Bordeauxs subregion of Blaye, and finally, in 1993, he purchased the estate.

Ever since he took over at Bourdieu, Schweitzer has focused on quality. At the end of his first harvest, he had a new cellar built and put in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. His efforts have not gone unnoticed: Just last year, Forbes singled Bourdieu out for making outstanding value wines that capture power while still respecting the seduction of subtlety.

Grown on 25-year-old vines, the 2019 consists of 87% Merlot, rounded out with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It was aged in stainless steel and racked and manipulated minimally, all with the goal of preserving the fruit, which shines through beautifully from the opening aromas to the very last sip.

This wine rang our bell as one of the most undeniable Bordeaux values weve scored in years, and did a similar number on the judges who placed it at the very pinnacle of 8,500+ reds. At this price, its the definition of a case-buy knockout.