Le Maine Martin, Bordeaux Superieur

France, 2020

Bordeaux might not be the trendiest name on the block right now, but that’s no bad thing—because it means you can find some serious value, like this. Le Maine Martin is proper claret: Merlot-dominant, full of plush dark fruits, earthy herbs, and that classic, savoury depth. With a few years of bottle age under its belt, it’s mellow, rounded, and drinking beautifully.

Wine people still call it “claret”—an old English nickname for Bordeaux reds—and it just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? This is the kind of wine that reminds you why Bordeaux became famous in the first place. It’s got structure, charm, and a good dose of old-school appeal. Pour it alongside roast lamb, grilled mushrooms, or a big wedge of hard cheese.