"He who aspires to be a serious wine drinker must drink claret."
(“claret” being the British term for red Bordeaux) --- Samuel Johnson
I have to agree with Mr. Johnson's sentiments on Bordeaux. Now don't get me wrong; I enjoy and appreciate wines from all over the world. I love drinking quality wines from California, Washington, Chile and Argentina, Italy, Spain, and other regions of France. But inevitably, my heart (and palate) come back to Bordeaux. There is just something about a good bottle of Bordeaux; it's classy, elegant and stylish... and quite delicious. Fall and Winter are the perfect time to pop open (Bordeaux will NEVER succumb to screw-caps) and enjoy some of these delicious offerings.
2006 Chateau Chantemerle, Medoc ($22.95 @ Central Market)
~This wine showed lovely notes of Cassis, earth and cigar box. The tannins were firm, and the color was deep, indicating good concentration. Balanced acidity led to a lovely finish.
2005 Chateau Haut Nadeau, Bordeaux Superior ($15.95)
~Great value with this wine; it over-delivers for the money. Beautiful dark fruits, with hints of vanilla and graphite. Full-bodied and complex.
2005 Chateau Larrivaux, Haut-Medoc ($22.95)
~Blackberry, stewed tomato and tobacco are evident in this sweet-styled nose. This medium-bodied wine has an impressive fruit structure, combined with a clean yet spicy finish.
2005 Chateau La Croix Chantercaille, St. Emilion ($29.99)
~A beautiful wine from the St. Emilion, this Merlot-driven gem is incredibly enticing. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry and damp earth emanate from the glass, followed by delicious black cherry, dark chocolate and Asian tea flavors. Stunning wine for the money.
2005 Chateau Tour Massac, Margaux ($49.95)
~This wine is the second label for Chateau Boyd-Cantenac (meaning the chateau takes their leftover fruit to produce a wine with a different label). In great vintages (like 2005), these wines can be quite good. Such is the case with the Tour Massac. This wine showed beautiful aromatics, full of raspberry and cassis, along with some wet stone and cedar. But what really stood out was the texture; pure silk and elegance.
Bordeaux produces tantalizing wines that pair incredibly well with food due to their higher acidity. If you haven't tried them, don't hesitate to branch out and sample some of the wines from France's legendary regions.
Viva la France!
"A man cannot make him laugh - but that's no marvel; he drinks no wine."
~WM. SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV Part 2
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