Most of you know that the Wall Street Journal has a regular wine feature in its Friday edition. A few months ago, noting that prices of first-growth Bordeaux were headed north of $1,000 (gasp) per bottle for the 2005 vintage, they decided to do an analysis of lesser expensive bottlings from smaller chateaux in lesser-known appellations. They selected 50 different wines, all priced at less than $20 each. We here at the Duke smiled when they referred to the average price of $12.00 as a rounding error on the price of a first-growth. Cut to the chase, you say? OK! The winner of the 2005 inexpensive Bordeaux taste-off was Chateau Lugagnac.

Chateau Lugagnac, in the Bordeaux Superieur appellation is a right bank property located on the watershed between the Dordogne and the Garonne Rivers and enjoys a temperate climate which is particularly dry in summer. The vines are planted high up on sloping terrain, two-thirds on iron-containing clay soils on a limestone subsoil and one-third on limestone with fossilized sea-shells. This varied terroir gives the wines of Lugagnac, made using the traditional methods, a lot of personality. WSJ tasting notes include: "The nose immediately says, "Fine stuff," with earth, tobacco and juicy fruit. Well balanced and nicely complex. Even better after an hour. Remarkably complete for such a young, inexpensive wine." Chateau Lugagnac was awarded Best of Tasting by WSJ's tasting panel.

The Duke has 2005 Chateau Lugagnac available for $17.99 per bottle - Buy it by the 6-pack for $99.99 and save! Hint: Forego that bottle of Lafite-Rothschild and buy ten 6-packs of Lugagnac!

Good to drink right away or cellar for up to 5 years!
Call the Duke today!!

Note: Prices are good while our supplies last and we reserve the right to change them at any time without notice.

Summer heat can damage your wine! The Duke does not recommend out-of-state ground shipments during the summer months. If you're unable to pick up your order, we will gladly hold it here until cooler weather. If you would like your wine right away, we will be happy to ship by air - overnight or 2 - or 3 - day service.