Drinkers and collectors alike will have heard of the supreme quality of the 2016 vintage in Bordeaux. Heralded as 'the best Bordeaux vintage I will probably ever taste' by Jancis Robinson, Vinous's Neal Martin even states, 'For once, the frothing hype that presaged en primeur was justified. The 2016 vintage already feels haloed.'

Although prices for top quality Bordeaux are escalating, there are still bargains to be found for those in the know, and Haut-Simard 2016 is one of these.

Owned by the Vauthier family, who also own Châteaux Ausone, Moulin Saint-Georges and La Clotte, amongst other properties, Haut-Simard comes with a truly top class pedigree. With vineyards bordering those of Châteaux Pavie and La Gaffeliere, it is easy to see how Haut-Simard might get lost in the crowd but their 2016 vintage is a true standout that warrants your attention.

Scoring triple 93 points from the Vinous's Neal Martin, the Wine Advocate and James Suckling, it is exceptional value at less than £17 per bottle IB.

This 'Excellent' blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc has a 'top-notch bouquet of gorgeous, well-defined blackberry, briar and raspberry aromas that burst from the glass' (NM). Producing intense black fruits and spice layers with seamlessly integrated tannins, this is scored as the finest vintage to date by all three critics. Already more approachable than many Bordeaux 2016s, it still has a long life ahead of it with Neal Martin advising it will be drinking up to 2038.

Haut-Simard has a long history in the region that dates back to at least the 1700s, although the actual Château was built in the 18th century. The property takes its name from one of its previous owners, Count Simard. The Right Bank Saint Emilion Grand Cru vineyard of Château Haut-Simard is in reality two separate parcels. A larger 40 hectare parcel is used for Simard but the remaining premium 8 hectares are reserved for Haut-Simard, which is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. This smaller plot only produces 2,500 cases each vintage, a tiny amount in the context of Bordeaux.

Offered today at just £200 per twelve IB, the Haut-Simard 2016 is an exceptional value pick from one of the greatest vintages in Bordeaux in modern times.