2020 Chateau Pascaud Reserve Bordeaux Superieur

Chateau Pascaud sits in Galgon, a small village at the edge of the Fronsac hills, a short drive from Saint-Emilion. The Person family has farmed vines here since 1910, on clay-gravel soil right up against Fronsac, where the slopes and climate look a lot like nearby Saint-Emilion's. Philippe Person makes the wine. Galgon sits outside the famous appellations, so the label reads Bordeaux Superieur, and that's why the price stays this low for what's in the bottle.

Chateau Pascaud Reserve is 100% Merlot from 30-year-old vines in Galgon, fermented in stainless steel for 25 days and aged 12 months in French oak. The fruit is grown close to—and in some cases over the border into—Fronsac, where Merlot thrives on clay and limestone.

The 2020 is rich, full-bodied, and built to age. It opens with dark berry fruit—blueberry, blackberry—plus floral notes and baking spice, with a light oaky touch. The palate is generous and concentrated, structured with silky tannins and nicely integrated oak. Black plum and peppercorn notes run throughout, finishing long and dry with toasted coffee and cocoa. It's a bit young right now—another year or two will harmonize the oakiness and tannins—but it's already drinking well above its price.