2012 Chateau Trois Moulins Haut Medoc

$26.90 btl / $322.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)

Bordeaux is a region that is known for expensive French Chateaux and even more expensive wine. What is interesting is that of the over 10,000 Bordeaux labels produced each year, approximately 80% of them are under $30. It is, in fact, a region where great value and inexpensive wine can be found, but you have to know where to look.

2012 Chateau Trois Moulins Haut Medoc provides the best of both worlds: affordability and quality. This cru bourgeois – a quality classification for red wines produced in Médoc on the left bank in Bordeaux – is not only difficult to find in our market, but the Chateau Trois Moulins truly over delivers at this price point.

2012 is considered a “Merlot” vintage because of the late ripening season, where Merlot can strive over Cabernet. This 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc blend is drinkable now and offers a beautiful nose of gooseberry, small red berries and forest floor. The palate is rich and well-structured with optimal acidity coupled with soft spicy red fruit, black current, tobacco and gentle round tannins. The aftertaste is juicy and full of fruit.

Château Trois Moulins is the twin estate of the famous Château Cambon La Pelouse in the southern Médoc region of Bordeaux. Although Château Trois Moulins is not as well-known as its sister, it receives the same meticulous care in grape growing, winemaking and aging. The principal difference is that Trois Moulins is made to be consumed earlier and more attractively priced.

The two estates are owned by Annick and Jean-Pierre Marie and their winemaking facilities, as well as their vineyards, are adjacent to each other. Château Trois Moulins, which dates from the 19th century, is set between Châteaux Cantemerle and Giscours at one of the highest points of Macau. The estate borders the Margaux appellation and its outstanding terroir of quaternary gravel with large pebbles is similar to that of many top Margaux.

Price: Case of 12 at $322.80 ($26.90 per bottle)

Drink: Now or over the next 3 years

Varietal/Body: 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, Medium body

Ratings:
Score 87, Wine Enthusiast, Sept 2015
Concours Bordeaux Vins d’Aquitaine 2014 Gold Medal
Concours Mundus Vini 2014 Gold Medal

Food Pairing: Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, hard cheeses and cured meats