Cab is the king, especially in Bordeaux. But what could this insane bargain Lalande de Pomerol have in common with Ausone, Ornellaia, or Harlan? Certainly not the price. We cut that nearly in half from the $50 retail.

Hint: MR. Read on…

Bordeaux is a minefield. Of course, there are famous names you can count on but for those, you need to pay up. Then there’s that sea of mediocrity, mines scattered all over the place. Just in between those lie knockout values that are easy to miss if you look the other way.

We just found one.

That MR stands for Michel Rolland - the ultimate consultant winemaker. How do you get the attention of the busiest man in the wine world? By being in his home turf, smack in the heart of the Right Bank.

That’s how we spotted Enclos de Viaud. Otherwise, it barely exists. Even in the prestigious Vignobles K portfolio it belongs to, it’s buried under bigger names such as Tour Saint Christophe or Bellefont-Belcier. You’re not going to find it in the mainstream press or the marketplace. Nor in restaurants, wine shops, even online for that matter, that’s how small the production here is, you’re basically looking at most of what’s made! Because it stood out BIG TIME among many, many samples.

Swear we found the 94-point review AFTER falling in love with what’s in the bottle.

Aah, the beauty a few years of bottle age brings on, aromatically and texturally speaking, it’s perfumed silk. The same bright red cherries you find within the crimson and brick highlights in the striking color are also dominant in the nose, with layers of spiced damson plums, cassis, and pencil shavings too. With the tannins at peak roundness, it’s simultaneously voluptuous, while ethereally refined, more fruit, toasted herbs, minerals, and earth nuances gushing in harmony towards the triumphant finish. A wow wine, this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing with collectible cellaring potential as well as instant drinkability, especially if accompanied by an elaborate aged cheese and charcuterie board.

All that 2016 Pomerol personality under $30? You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re not? Then you must have seen it on Wine Spies.

Did we say 94 points and 44% off? Back le camion up!

94 Points – International Wine Report

“The 2016 Enclos de Viaud begins with inviting aromas of cherries, blackberries, exotic spices, cedar, tobacco, wet stones and hints of spring florals which all slowly begin to take shape. This medium-bodied red displays a fantastic structure, with lovey fine tannins, that provide plenty of structural backbone. Flavors of fresh cherries, red fruits and spices continue to leave an impression, as this heads into the long finish. This is a beautifully made wine, however it will require some additional bottle age before it begins to show its best stuff. Drink 2020-2030.”