Chateau La Couspaude Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2016

Whoa, whoa, whoa – today’s offer is one NOT to be missed. We’re talking triple 94-point reviews (plus a plethora of additional high scores and critical acclaim) from a quaint, family-owned estate that’s been growing in popularity and gaining the attention of wine critics for the past decade. This Saint-Emilion from Château La Couspaude is one to celebrate – especially when the price is THIS good. In the US, you won’t find this bottle for anything under $75, but we were somehow able to grab it for you for UNDER $50! Let’s go!

Perched at the entrance to the historic village of Saint-Emilion, Château La Couspaude sits on 7 hectares of land that have been used to grow grapes since the 17th century. Geographically speaking, it's a perfect destination atop the admired clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, with verdant trees, farmland, and the pitched rooflines of the village stretching as far as the eye can see.

The estate’s old vines (that average over 50 years in age, with some plots dating well over 100 years old) grant the wine extreme concentration and depth – making for a plush and modern style of Right Bank Bordeaux that shows many similarities to exceptional Napa cabernet. The primary grape here however is merlot, accounting for some 75% of the vineyard, followed by 20% cabernet france and 5% cabernet sauvignon.

Vines on the estate average 50-plus years of age – with some pushing past 100 – giving the wines made here their extreme concentration and depth. This plus soils made up of a thin clay-limestone layer about 25 inches deep, results in a plush and modern style of Right Bank Bordeaux reminiscent of your favorite Napa cabs. Surprisingly, however, the vineyards here are made up of 75% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, and just 5% cabernet sauvignon.

In this gorgeous 2016 vintage, you’ll notice a deep, rich purply-ruby color and just-as-dark berry fruit aromas. Black currant, blackberry, and raspberry waft favorably from the bottle, along with notes of dark cherry, flaky baked pie dough, worn leather, and roasted plums. Stretching across the finish are scents of dried herbs, tea leaves, and mineral traces that support the supple fruitiness and balance them with a powerful, just-right structure.

Truthfully, it drinks deliciously now...but will continue to reach its prime for years to come! It’s a robust and multifaceted wine that you’ll be happy you ordered a bottle (or six) of – just don’t wait too long because our numbers will soon run dangerously low!

PAIRING IDEAS: Ever rubbed a steak with coffee before? Definitely worth a try with this beauty. I went for a tri-tip, and rubbed it down with fresh ground coffee, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Reverse seared it with a touch of smoke from some cherry wood, and brought it to about 125, before a quick 90-second sear on each side directly over the heat. Rest, slice, sip, savor, and simply revel in a perfect match.