On the northeast flank of Saint-Émilion, the home of luxury wines like Ausone, Pavie and Valandraud, is Montagne Saint-Émilion. The soils, a mixture of clay, limestone and sand, are similar and the wines are too. Unbelievable values can be found in Montagne Saint Emilion, and here’s one that has earned my highest value status, a Hall of Fame Value.
Chateau Haut-Plaisance Montagne Saint-Émilion 2015 is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense, dark fruit and expressive flavors of soil (terroir) take the lead with the barrel in the back (no new oak used). I get black currants, dried blueberries, dark chocolate, river rocks, cola and roasted rosemary and thyme. It’s mouth-coating and firm…surprisingly firm and chewy for a sub-$20 wine. It’ll drink great with any grilled red meat you can think of. It’s also a wine you can cellar and watch it improve over the next 5-10 years. Seriously!
