Bordeaux’s storied Pomerol region represents “the absolute in wine seduction,” writes Decanter. It’s home to some of the world’s finest (and most expensive) Merlot-dominant red blends, but if you know where to look, you can find bottles like the gorgeously layered Jean-Pierre Moueix that seriously over deliver on flavor and value.

The special release was a personal project from Bordeaux legend Christian Moueix, who was at the helm of Château Pétrus—which cranks out $3,000-a-bottle wines from the area’s stellar terroir—for almost four decades. We’ve known Christian for years, and thanks to our longstanding friendship, you have exclusive access to the bottling.

A blend of Merlot and Cab Franc from his family’s storied vineyards, it was meant to be something that maintained a deep sense of place, but was still eminently drinkable. And in 2021, Christian certainly had his pick of excellent fruit. According to Decanter, the vintage “delivered some excellent, if atypical, wines… with the usual trademark sexiness and plushness replaced by more subtle textures, well balanced fruit and bright acidities.”

To ensure ultimate smoothness, the final wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels—something you’ll pick up upon uncorking it. The wine is immediately appealing, with ripe, dark berry aromas, plus subtle notes of smoke and spice from that year in oak. Similar flavors linger on the palate, bound in by silky, pliable tannins and carried throughout a long, satisfying finish.

It will make an impressive centerpiece for a dinner party—especially if a juicy beef roast or pork tenderloin is on the menu.

Though it’s drinking beautifully now, Christian’s Pomerol will reward careful cellaring for the next decade. You can wait to enjoy it…but don’t wait to order. We have very limited cases to share.