Chateau Roudier Montagne Saint-Emilion – A Good Value

Another affordable Bordeaux find at Trader Joe’s, we review the Chateau Roudier Montagne Saint-Emilion.

The label doesn’t specify the blend but Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are the only varieties permitted in the appellation. It is likely predominately Merlot as that variety makes up about 75% of the plantings.

The wine comes from Montagne-Saint-Emilion, which is a satellite region of the larger Saint-Emilion appellation in the Right Bank of Bordeaux, France.

This subregion is just to the north of Saint-Emilion and is centered around the town of Montagne. With soil and conditions similar to Saint-Emilion, Montagne is considered the best of the 4 satellite regions. (The other 3 are Lussac St. Emilion, Puisseguin St. Emilion and St. Georges St. Emilion.)

This wine is available at Trader Joe’s for $12.99. Unlike a lot of Trader Joe’s wines, this one does not seem to be exclusive to them although it will run you around $20 elsewhere. It is imported by Latitude Wines.

From the bottle:

From Vignobles Capdemourlin
Appellation Montagne Saint-Emilion Controlee
14% Alcohol

The 2020 Chateau Roudier Montagne Saint-Emilion opens with a pleasing aroma of blackberry and assorted red berry fruit, cedar, vanilla and some very light touches of flowers and dried herbs.

Taking a sip reveals a tasty, medium-bodied, balanced, smooth and round wine that is quite easy to drink. It features light touches of licorice and spice and with a streak of earthy minerality hiding underneath.

It ends dry, long and grippy with lasting juicy fruit. We didn’t think it was quite as good on day 2 but nevertheless this is a pretty good value right here.

As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.

You can also find more of our favorite French wines here!