Château Du Parc

Saint-Émilion is the appellation people mean when they say Right Bank and want the limestone plateau, the clay slopes, and the Grand Cru designation that actually has to be earned vintage after vintage. Château Du Parc is Vignobles Sullivan’s voice there.

The wine is an eighty-twenty blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, made with Dr. Alain Raynaud and winemaker Damien Landouar — the same Landouar who signs the Gaby Cuvée. Forbes has it at 95 points: succulent red fruit, blackberry, heather, a nose the note calls a delight, then lush fruit through the middle with tannins that are present without shouting.

The maison’s own tasting line is more kitchen than podium. Blackberry and orange peel, a floral hint, medium to full body, firm and silky tannins, a finish with flavor rather than just oak. Chewy. Linear. Give it two or three years if you want the extraction to relax. Or drink it with dinner and let the chew be the point.

Two vintages are in the American cellar right now: 2016 and 2015. Same address, two seasons. Both ship from the U.S. shop in six-bottle offers.