Castillon-la-Bataille is a town on the Dordogne river famous for exactly two things, the climactic victory of the French over the English in the Hundred Years War, and being right next to Saint-Emilion. Though Castillon is part of the unwieldy Cotes de Bordeaux super appellation, it is better understood as the neighbor to the famous heart of Bordeaux’s right bank. Soil and topography here is pretty similar, Castillon shares St Emilion’s preference for Merlot, and on the ground, you would be forgiven for not knowing which appellation you were in. Chateau La Bourée is an estate in the heart of Castillon, where winemaker Jean-Francois Maynard and Christelle Gauthier farm this deeply unpretentious, deeply inexpensive, and just plain deep wine from 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a sturdy Bordeaux perfect for cooler late summer nights, with a nose of black plum and blackcurrant, dried cherry, black soil and a baker’s chocolate with dry tobacco leaves. The palate is unrepentantly tannic and follows up with more chocolate, cacao, and intensely dark dried fruits, clay-scented earth and cinnamon incense. If you’re a fan of structured Bordeaux, this is a must-try wine that will help you save your more expensive St. Emilion. Decanting is recommended alongside your next filet or helping of roasted vegetables.