Located outside Libourne, near the confluence of the Dordogne/Garonne Rivers, the Fronsac AOC is characterized by rocky limestone/clay soils spread over a rolling plateau. The clay in the region is referred to as “molasses,” making this an especially good terroir for Merlot. This is an ideal place to look for value-priced alternatives to Pomerol/Saint-Émilion wines.

Château du Carillon is quite small by Bordeaux standards, with just seven hectares of vineyards in the commune of Saillans, near the Isle River. The estate, like many in Bordeaux, is part of a larger “portfolio” of properties owned by a family firm called the Taillan Group. Today, the group owns and manages 11 properties across 10 appellations in Bordeaux.

This ’08 is effectively a “varietal” Merlot, with a small amount (5%) Cabernet Sauvignon is incorporated into the blend. Average age of the vines (which are now organically farmed) is 30 years. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged 6-12 months in French oak barrels. It was acquired directly by SommSelect from a négociant (merchant/agent) in Bordeaux. The color is still deep and youthful, though there are hints of orange at the rim (over time, all red wines lose color intensity). Aromas/flavors of dried black cherry, cranberry, and black plum are intertwined with notes of leather, tobacco, black pepper, wrapped in soft tannins. Its still-lively acidity makes it a great choice for steak au poivre or dunk confit