Château la Croix Saint-Michel Montagne Saint-Emilion 2023

Just a small river apart from the famed Saint-Émilion, Montagne-Saint-Émilion is a little-known Right Bank satellite dedicated exclusively to red wine. Though it boasts a terroir that’s nearly identical to its famous neighbor, its bottles remain relatively well priced because of their low profile. The complex, deeply fruited Château la Croix Saint-Michel is one we can’t get enough of, and we know you’ll feel the same when you uncork your own.

It comes to us from a property of the same name, which it earned via happy accident. As the story goes, its founder, a deeply religious man, was straightening a cross he’d hung to christen his newly established domaine when someone asked what he planned to call the estate. He hadn’t thought about this yet, so blurted out the first thing to mind: La Croix Saint-Michel (“the cross of Saint Michael,” his favorite archangel).

Today, the estate is managed by Daniel Larnaudie and his daughter Pauline, and it has really grown into its name.

Though just 24 acres in size, its wines are substantial, powerful things that become graceful—and downright revitalizing—as they linger in your glass. Aged partially in concrete and partially in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrancy, this one offers a bevvy of raspberry, cherry and plum tones held together by tannins that are fine enough to lend structure without overpowering the overall drinking experience.

Buy a couple to pour alongside rib-eye steak, roast leg of lamb or a hearty charcuterie platter, and a couple to cellar for up to five years time.