Friday, November 20, 2009

Report from ... Bordeaux Under One Roof – October 28, 2009

Here I got the chance to try the Bordeaux wines under $25 and most, if not all, available at the LCBO … these were my top 8 that were worth the dollars they’re asking for them … I also noticed that when it comes to Bordeaux under 25 you really do get what you pay for, want more complexity in your wine, you have to pay for it, and it makes a world of difference, though there are quite a few bargains to be had.

Thomas Barton 2006 ($16.95) – 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon; big chocolate and cherry nose which follows in the mouth, very new world in style. (****)

Chateau Canada 2005 ($14.95) – being from the Great White North you have to have a special place in you heart for this one; black fruit, black cherry, spicy, cedery and good tannins. (****)

Chateau Argenteyre 2005 ($24.95) – blackberry, vanilla, black cherry, cinnamon, spices and herbs with a nice black fruited finish. This one has nice complexity for the nose and mouth. (****½)

Chateau des Laurets 2006 ($19.95) – nice sweet blackberry fruit with juicy blackberries in the mouth. (****)

Calvets Reserve 2006 ($13.95) – lots of cherry flavour which follows from the nose into the mouth … pleasant dry red fruit finish. (****)

Chateau St. Germain 2007 ($13.95) – licorice and blackberry on the nose, smooth red fruit in the mouth with delicate flavours, easy drinking at a good price. (****½)

Chateau Pey La Tour Reserve 2006 ($21.95) – black cherry, cassis and sweet fruit palate with a nice tannin backbone. (****½)

Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange Vieilles Vignes 2005 ($21.95) – from 45 year old vines; a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot with 13.5% alcohol. Great colour and concentration, the nose is a little closed off at first pour – so it needs some air to open ‘er up. But when it does: raspberry liqueur fills the olfactories. Palate delivers a complexity of flavour far beyond it’s price point: blackberry, vanilla, sweet fruit, plum, chocolate/mocha, licorice and white pepper … delivers great flavour and great value for under $25 … this one’s a real star, 5 of them actually. (*****)

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