Chateau du Tertre 2021 from the Margaux is proof that exquisite Bordeaux can be had for under $50. Rated 90 points and above by all of the leading wine critics, it is a pretty, elegant wine bursting with flavors and aromas of wild berries and exotic spices, yet it is firmly rooted in the rich loamy soil from which its grapes are grown.

Its deep, vibrant color is an immediate giveaway to the salivating delights ahead. A rich blend of 64% Cabernet, 20% Cabernet France, and a smattering of Merlot and Petit Verdot round its shimmering vitality and mouthwatering finish.

I splurged and ordered a fresh whole duck from my local Aldi and roasted it in the over with some Chestnuts, Fresh Sage, and some slices of Mandarin Oranges. After roasting it according to directions on the labeling, I then brushed it with a mixture of the provided orange sauce packet and some honey, for a crispy finish. Accompanied by sides of steamed, herbed Wild Rice mixture and Broccoli sautéed in Irish Butter, the combination of the wine and the meal was a heady experience.

There are plenty of savory flavors imbedded in this beautifully crafted wine along with layers of earthy, mineral laced accents that contribute to its long finish. You continue to experience the wine for a period of time after each sip, which only adds to its desirability.

Each time you taste the wine, there’s a new dimension of discovery. When was the last time you detected the elusive tastes of ripe wild field raspberries, or caught a whiff of lavender in the garden? It is just like taking a stroll through the vineyards of the Medoc! That, and much more waits in Chateau de Tertre 2021. Visit chateaudutertre.fr for more.