Chateau Reynaud Lacoste is a red Bordeaux blend from Entre-Deux-Mers, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine and scored 89 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the strongest values in everyday Bordeaux. Quick Facts: ABV: 13% | Origin: Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France | Red Blend (Merlot-dominant) | Estate: Château Reynaud-Lacoste, Cessac Production & Heritage The estate sits approximately 25 miles east of Bordeaux in the commune of Cessac, within the broad Entre-Deux-Mers appellation. The Lacoste family has owned and farmed the property for six generations; Benoît Lacoste has directed operations since 2010, working in collaboration with Producta Vignobles. The classic blend is built on a Merlot-dominant base — typically around 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc, though the 2021 vintage shifted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks, preserving bright primary fruit character rather than introducing oak influence. The estate holds HVE III (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification, France's highest tier of sustainable farming recognition, reflecting a commitment to biodiversity and reduced environmental impact. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with ripe plum and black cherry, followed by dried herbs and a subtle mineral undertone. A faint whiff of cherry stone adds a slightly savoury layer beneath the fruit. Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with fleshy dark berries leading into a medium-bodied mid-palate. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively, while ripe blackberry and currant notes dominate through the peak. Fine, velvety tannins give the wine just enough structure without gripping the palate. Finish: Medium in length, finishing dry with lingering notes of red cherry and a touch of dried herb. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, fruit-tinged close. How to Drink Reynaud Lacoste This is a straightforward, fruit-driven Bordeaux that drinks well slightly below room temperature — around 60–64°F. No decanting required, though a brief pour-and-rest of 15 minutes can open up the aromatics. Its bright acidity and soft tannins also make it a natural fit for cocktails and wine-based drinks: a Bordeaux Spritz (topped with sparkling water and an orange twist) highlights its freshness; a classic Sangria benefits from the wine's ripe berry core and herbal undertone; and a simple Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) works well given the wine's clean fruit profile and balanced structure. Best For Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable Bordeaux without overthinking it Hosting a casual dinner party with Mediterranean or French country cuisine Introducing someone to red Bordeaux blends at an accessible level Building a mixed case of everyday European reds Frequently Asked Questions What does Reynaud Lacoste taste like? Reynaud Lacoste delivers ripe plum, blackberry, and red cherry flavors with dried herb accents, medium body, and soft, well-integrated tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and food-friendly. How does Reynaud Lacoste compare to Mouton Cadet Rouge? Both are Merlot-dominant, entry-level Bordeaux reds, but Reynaud Lacoste is a single-estate wine fermented entirely in stainless steel, which tends to produce brighter, more fruit-forward character. Mouton Cadet Rouge is a large-production négociant blend sourced across multiple Bordeaux appellations and often sees partial oak aging. Is Reynaud Lacoste good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, fruit-forward profile, and medium body make it one of the more approachable introductions to red Bordeaux. The stainless steel aging avoids the oak-driven complexity that can be challenging for newer wine drinkers. Where is Reynaud Lacoste made? Château Reynaud-Lacoste is located in Cessac, a commune in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France, approximately 25 miles east of the city of Bordeaux. The estate has been farmed by the Lacoste family for six generations. What foods pair well with Reynaud Lacoste? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal undertones. Beef stew or daube bordelaise matches its ripe fruit and medium weight. Roasted chicken with herbs mirrors the dried herb notes on the nose. Semi-firm cheeses like Comté or young Manchego work well against the soft tannin structure. Ratatouille or roasted Mediterranean vegetables highlight the wine's fresh acidity. What sizes does Reynaud Lacoste come in? Château Reynaud Lacoste is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Reynaud Lacoste worth the price? Reynaud Lacoste positions squarely in the entry-level Bordeaux tier, and its Gold Medal from the Concours de Bordeaux and 89-point Wine Enthusiast score suggest it consistently punches above its weight class. For a single-estate, HVE III-certified Bordeaux with genuine varietal character, it represents strong value. Why Reynaud Lacoste? What separates this wine from the crowded field of budget Bordeaux is its pedigree as a single-estate, family-run property with six generations of continuous ownership — not a brand assembled from purchased fruit. The HVE III certification adds a meaningful layer of environmental accountability that many wines at this level simply do not carry. A Gold Medal at the Concours de Bordeaux Vins d'Aquitaine and an 89-point rating from Wine Enthusiast confirm that the quality is verifiable, not just anecdotal. For drinkers who want honest, fruit-driven Bordeaux with a genuine sense of place and sustainable farming behind it, Reynaud Lacoste delivers without pretension.
