Chateau Jean l'Arc 2018

“2018 will be remembered as an exceptional year.”

When they start reaching for superlatives over at jancisrobinson.com, you know you’re in for a treat. Such is the case with Bordeaux 2018—already a legendary vintage, marked by a long, warm harvest and grapes with outstanding purity of flavor.

And when it comes to securing the best of this in-demand vintage, we’ve got an advantage most others don’t: his name is Jean-Marc Sauboua. This Haut Brion-trained winemaker and Bordeaux native is friends with all the right locals. Recently, one of them put Jean-Marc in touch with sixth-generation brothers, David and Laurent Siozard, who wanted to share their family’s story. And some fantastic wine…

Their ancestor, Jean, was the son of peasants from the Loire Valley, and was just 20 years old when he fought in the famous battle of Castillon (which ended the Hundred Years' War). To honor Jean’s valor, a local lord offered him land in Bordeaux’s Lugaignac district, where he settled to start a family and plant a vineyard. This elegant Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon is their loving tribute to him—and what a celebration it is.

It’s brought home quite the gold-medal haul—three, last time we counted—including one from prestigious French wine guide Gilbert & Gaillard for its “beautifully vibrant, fresh forest fruits” that “immediately wins you over.”

Pair up with a simple roast (beef or pork) and prepare to be won.