Country: France Region: Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc Varietal: 75% Merlot/ 25% Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red  Style: Dry Producer: Chateau Bauduc Description: Owner operators and English ex-pats Gavin and Angela Quinney fell for the lovely Château Bauduc, some 15 miles from the city of Bordeaux, in 1999. The house and the winery are surrounded by 25 hectares of pretty vineyards, where they grow Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for their white wines, along with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for the reds and rosé. Some of their older vines date from 1947 and the family have replanted or planted 15 or so hectares more since 2000. The estate’s Bordeaux Superieur has been the served at Gordon Ramsay’s three Michelin star restaurant in London for the past nineteen years, a ‘special selection’ at Rick Stein’s for a decade and a half. Oz Clarke is a huge fan, stating, “Bordeaux needs another 100 Bauducs — and fast.” It is also listed at Maze Grill, The Savoy and Petrus, all top London Restaurants.  Tasting Note: 2018 was a top Bordeaux vintage. This is a lovely, elegant red with ripe, dark fruits and an easy-going texture. It's not a light wine although all too easy to drink. Best with good food but fine for a party.  The back label: 'This is a classic Bordeaux blend of three quarters Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to full bodied and partially aged in oak, it’s easy, fruity and supple enough to drink quite young. Serve with good food.' 13.5% vol. Food Matches: On its own or with chicken, fish, seafood or salads.