INSIDER'S PICK: 2018 CH. LES ALBERTS LUSSAC-St.-EMILION $19.99

There are not a lot of distributors out there that we would rather have pour for us during our anniversary month celebration, because Aymeric is a kindred spirit. EU focus is on small estates, primarily Bordeaux, and is a portfolio built with an expert eye and a particular standard. All the Bordeaux we carry under his label have a particular, consistent character of being built in a more traditional style and an eye towards being able to cellar or at least decant, even in the value range. We also love love LOVE the information they place on their back labels to inform the consumer (varietals used, vineyard acreage, soils, aging method and tasting notes), keeping you so well informed on your purchases. This bottling will help you get in the Bordeaux mood for the tasting this Saturday when Aymeric will be here to break out some of the big guns (those wines will also get the 10% discount on bottle purchases like the Insider's on Saturday as well). Not said to undersell this wine, as it's really packing a lot into the bottle for $20. Mostly tank aged Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the nose is loaded with dark currant and dusty Bordeaux red fruit tones that get broader and more room-filling when decanted. The palate is nice and fleshy with plenty of natural skin tannin, again benefiting here with some decanting that brings out some dark sweetness to the fruit as the tannins soften. Get yourself into the Bordeaux zone, it's a great week to try some and stock up! 

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