Wine: Affordable Bordeaux

Bordeaux wines are famous for their “restrained sweetness, elegant structure, and long-lasting pleasure,” said Ceil Miller Bouchet in Saveur. But they can be very pricey. Luckily, the 2009 and 2010 vintages produced some delicious bargains. In both years, the region hit the “weather jackpot—sunny days, cool nights, and rain at just the right times.” One result: lots of great wine values, including these three.

2009 Château Jouanin ($13). With its “zippy, fruit-tinged acidity and dry oak quality,” this merlot blend is “a wonderful match” for stews.

2009 Petit Manou ($19). This “fascinating” blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc gets a “slightly spicy”note from petit verdot.

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2009 Château Pomeys ($21). A wine that’s perfect with steak, thanks to its “bold cherry-vanilla punch” and “spicy finish.”