Here’s the fifth installment of The Wine Chef’s December "Advent Calendar" wine series.

G d'Estournel 2019

This French wine is produced by the team behind Château Cos d'Estournel, a beautiful estate in Bordeaux’s Médoc region, within the Saint-Estèphe appellation.

***I visited this stunning Chateau in 2019 for an afternoon tasting and dinner with the owner. The wines are just as impressive as the setting!.***

G d’Estournel, formerly known as Goulée and now rebranded as 'G,' is produced from grapes cultivated in a 20-hectare vineyard situated just north of Saint-Estèphe.

The 2019 vintage is considered a great vintage for Bordeaux and this wine is a shining example. Made from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s drinking really well right now. Its wonderfully fragrant aromas of dark fruits like blackberries and blackcurrants are layered with subtle hints of spice, tobacco, and cedar. When you take a sip, you’ll first notice the juicy fruit flavors, followed by a medium-to-full body, silky tannins, and just a touch of minerality and spice to round things out.

At around $35 a bottle, this wine offers excellent value from Bordeaux, one of the world’s most prestigious fine wine regions.

The 2019 should be able to age for another five to ten years, but my advice is to enjoy it now, preferably fireside with someone you love!