2019 La Croix d'Argent Bordeaux Superieur, France

This elegant, mostly Merlot blend from perhaps the most famous wine region in the world gets the extra special designation of "Superieur," which is used to signify wines that meet extra select quality standards over others in the Bordeaux appellation.

And this D’Argent — which translates to "silver" — actually took a gold medal at the prestigious Vinalies International Wine Competition, a judging conducted by no less than the vaunted Union of French Oenologists!

So outside of breaking into the Louvre for a Matisse, this is one of the best steals in France. But you don’t have to go any farther than your mailbox to get your hands on this rich garnet-colored beauty that presents cassis, tobacco and rose petals along with the elevated ripening that enhances the spice and vanilla from a minimum of 12 months in oak!