2020 Chateau de Pitray Les Prairies Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 750 ml

Dripping with history, made by a Right Bank winemaking rock-star from Saint-Émilion–adjacent terroir, the 2020 Château de Pitray Les Prairies Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is a phenomenal under-the-radar Right Bank star that's nearly impossible to find in the US!

Château de Pitray lies a few kilometers east of Saint-Émilion, situated within the same magic terroir that defines that famous appellation. The estate’s real ace in the hole is consulting winemaker Nina Mitjaville, who grew up amid the vines and began working at her family estate, Château Tertre-Roteboeuf ($200+), from the age of 15. She has been practicing viticulture and enology alongside her father, François, at their properties since 2005, and today she also manages Château Tertre-Roteboeuf.

Château de Pitray overlooks the site of the Battle of Castillon, considered the final clash of the Hundred Years’ War and an overwhelming French victory that led to the end of English hegemony in Gascony. Believe it or not, the De Boigne family’s ownership of this domaine even predates this decisive battle.

And the wine? Containing a typical Les Prairies Castillon bland of mostly Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a brushstroke of Malbec, we were taken with the 2020’s effusive aromas of blueberries, thyme, sage, baking spices, and ripe strawberries, not to mention its lengthy, luxurious finish of berry fruit and lovely oak tones. It’s perfectly put together and absolutely begs for a rack of lamb or roasted butternut squash.

Owner Jean De Boigne succinctly summed up the wine’s outstanding quality and value: “I'm not here to make money. I'm here to pass it to the next generation."