Château La Vallée 2012

The Grand Cru wines of Saint Emilion are much adored, but they don't come cheap. Yet the best clarets from its four satellites just to the north – Montagne, Lussac, St Georges and Puisseguin – often measure up in quality. Lying next door, its no surprise the wines are close in style. Château La Vallée is a pretty, mid sized property with mature, 30 year old vineyards. Their gravel soils produce grapes with good intensity and well structured wines. This accounts for the longevity of this 2012, an under the radar vintage that, like 2011, has over time proved its excellence. This Bordeaux is elegant and supple, with layers of gentle nuanced flavour and good length. Stand upright a few hours to check for sediment. Lovely with duck.