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This story originally appeared in the Napa Valley Register.
Affordable and Bordeaux are not two words that typically go hand in hand. Bordeaux is perceived as intimidating, complex and stuffy. First Growth wines can be found for $500 or much, much more and are the wines collectors seek.
But what about us mere mortals? Is there affordable Bordeaux for us to drink? Yes, actually there are plenty. But what if I told you one of them came from First Growth producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) for less than $50. You might say that is the stuff legends are made of but Légende has made it true.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is one of only four classified first growths in Bordeaux. The Chateau was purchased by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868 and today is run by Baron Eric de Rothschild, the fifth generation in the family.
While the Chateau Lafite Rothschild garners praise and high prices for those who seek it, the family also produces a range of more accessible wines that can be enjoyed every day. These wines were originally called the “Réserves des Barons.” From the “Réserves des Barons” and with the idea to offer classic Bordeaux wines that are affordable and can be drunk immediately, the line of Légende was born in 2002 and became available in the U.S. in 2017.
Tucked into the hills of Bel Air sits the 16 acre winery, Moraga Vineyards.  Not open to the public, I was invited recently to tour the property and taste the elusive and sought-after wines. Exiting the 405 at Moraga and driving up the street, it doesn't seem possible that a winery exists in this area. The streets are lined with houses that sit side-by-side and are visible from the street. But, I parked in front of the given address and walked up the driveway where I was greeted by vineyards that continued up the hill to the winery.
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