Liberte Cherie Syrah Merlot 2020 (Case-Only Price)

Alexandre Sirech and Jean Moueix – yes, that Moueix family from Petrus – decided to revive an old Bordeaux tradition that’s been illegal since 1935. Back then, Bordeaux châteaux routinely blended Syrah from Hermitage into their wines to add structure and depth. You can find old labels that literally say “Cuvée Hermitagée” on bottles from the most famous estates.

Then the French government created strict appellation rules, and overnight, blending across regions became forbidden. If you wanted to call it Bordeaux, it had to be 100% Bordeaux grapes.

But Sirech and Moueix are neighbors of the legendary Carbonnieux with Petrus money backing them, so rules are more like suggestions. They’re making wines they want to drink every day with family and friends. By bottling it as ‘Vin de France’, they found a key loophole, authenticity be damned!