Wines from the Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superieur appellation can be made anywhere within the Bordeaux region, which makes them harder to place in terms of expected style than many of the other appellations. And because there are around 4,500 winemakers who bottle a wine under one of these two labels, it is also difficult to remember the best names. But these wines, at their best, often fantastic value, and don't require the same 'fuss' as some of the bigger names (no worrying about when to drink them, or whether to decant them etc etc).

To make things a little easier, I am going to build up here a list of some names that I always trust.

Chateau Penin, Grand Selection 2005
This is one of my favourite 'every day Bordeaux', and I'm defininitely not alone as it consistently gets fantastic reviews for its price point. Owner Patrick Carteyron makes this wine with 100% merlot grapes, all over 30 years old. It is a delightful wine, very easy to drink and full of fresh red fruits, with very little evident tannin, despite one year in barrel.
 
Chateau La Fleur Mongiron 2001

La Fleur Mongiron is a micro-cuvée produced in limited quantities with grapes from the oldest vines on the estate that are now about 45 years old. In the cellar, owner Guillaume Queron uses micro-oxygenation, and none of the press wine makes it into the final blend (something that is far more unusual than you might think). 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc - and a great location facing the limestone hills of Saint Emilion. Expect rich fruit flavours. If you can still find this vintage, it is really lovely right now - but the more recent examples I have tried are also very good.
 
Chateau Trocard, Bordeaux Superieur 2004
Entry-level Bordeaux, made by long-time Moeuix favourite Jean Louis Trocard. The nose is full of ripe summer fruits, but it’s slightly disappointing on the mouth, with some astringency. Let it open before drinking, but ready now to 2010. (€4.50)
Tasted at L'Intendant Wine Shop, November 2007