Chateau Beaumont
This well-run estate at Cussac in the Haut-Médoc has deservedly been a favourite for years . It is owned by the same business group who own Châteaux Beychevelle and Lagrange – Socétié Grands Millésimes de France - who are doing a great job here. The winemaker is Etienne Priou.
One of the reasons that it provides such good value for the quality is that it is quite large at around 114 hectares which brings significant economies of scale. Soils are well-drained, deep and gravelly. The blend is typically 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot with small amounts of cabernet franc and petit verdot.
Since 2004, the vineyards have been managed sustainably, on the envronmentally friendly principles of the Terra Vitis organization. This has led to a dramatic reduction in the use of chemicals and allowed for complete traceabilty. At the winemaking stage, around one-third new oak is used in each vintage with the wine matured in barrels for up to 14 months. The result is well-balanced, civilised claret with supple tannins and cassis-fruit. With its classical-styling and great value, it ticks all the boxes for perfect Sunday-roast Claret. In great vintages these wines make particularly good buys.
£12-£15 at good outlets.