Look past Bordeaux’s big-name châteaux, and you’ll find lesser-known, quality-focused winemakers that produce great wines at affordable prices. The supple, generously fruited Château Moulin du Prieur is a perfect example, crafted by Ludovic Roussillon, one of the top viticulturists in Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers region.

Ludovic knows how to coax the very best out of his soils to get the most flavor in his grapes: "Work hard in the vineyard and the wine almost makes itself."

For this bottling, he blends Merlot for its velvety black plum character, Cabernet Franc for a complex earthy-spice note and a tiny amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and cassis tones. The result is lush and rounded, with an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and a vibrancy that makes it easy to enjoy immediately. (No decanting or cellaring necessary.)

Grab a few bottles while stocks last, then serve alongside beef roasts, hearty pasta dishes or a plate of charcuterie and firm cheeses.