Château Deyrem Valentin Margaux | 2020

Château Deyrem Valentin was one of the first Bordeaux wines I tasted when I was an aspiring sommelier. Then, while I was working for a national importer, I had the opportunity to sell these wines in California. With an affinity towards the Merlot grape, their atypical Left Bank style is one of personality over power. It was a no-brainer, all the top restaurants and retail shops loved Deyrem for its reliable old-school charm, how could you not? 

Based in the commune of Soussans, this is a family-owned and operated estate, run by fifth generation Christelle Sorge and her sister, Sylvie. Full-time gatekeepers since 1999, they have continued to push forward the quality of the estate in both the vineyard and the cellar. In 2017, the sisters made an unusual move and hired A+ consultant, and co-owner of Château Angelus, Hubert de Boüard. Since then, the wines have found their sweet spot, filling out their bones and finding their curves, evident in this stunning 2020 Margaux. Marginally dominated by Merlot, the balance is Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot. Aged in 50% new French oak, the aromatics are off-the-chart with deep red and purple fruits over crumbles of graphite, sweet gunflint, and cocoa nib. Full bodied, the wine expands over the palate, powered by layers of earth and fruit, then fruit and earth, dissolving into each other, ever seamless and pretty. This is a must-have, not only for the Bordeaux enthusiast, but for those who appreciate wines with an irreplaceable soul. Grab what you can. ~Allegra A