Tasting notes: Bordeaux, 7/27/19

2018 Château La Rame Blanc

Bordeaux, FR

Regular Price $22.99 

Sale price $17.99

Bright, fresh and crisp, this is a refreshing example of 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the clay-limestone vineyards south-east of the city of Bordeaux. Well established as a superb growing area before the turn of the (last) century, the Arnaud family continues to make classic wines that represent the often hidden value in Bordeaux

2016 Clos des Lunes ‘Lune d’Argent’

Bordeaux, FR

Regular Price $22.99 

Sale price $17.99

This wine is from the vineyards around Sauternes, and is (like Sauternes) made primarily from Semillon. However, the grapes are not infected  by botrytis (noble rot) and the wine is vinified dry. Rich and lush, yet crisp and clean (due to the 30% Sauvignon Blanc) the wine is as delicious as it is unique.

2015 Château Haut-Colombier

Blaye, FR

Regular Price $19.99

Sale price $15.99

Made of 90% Merlot and 10% Malbec, this is a smooth and polished Right Bank Bordeaux from one of the lesser known ‘satellite’ regions. Balanced and medium bodied, the wine shows ample ripe berry flavors backed by firm but supple tannins. 

2015 Chateau Bernadotte

Haut-Medoc, FR

Regular Price $24.99 

Sale price $19.99

Lush and ripe, this wine over-delivers for the money. The lead pencil aromas vying with the bright fruit identifies it as Medoc, but this is a modern interpretation. Bold and rich with apparent but not unpleasant oak, it’s  both very good and affordable.

2012 La Devise de Lilian 

Saint-Estephe, FR

Regular Price $34.99 

Sale price $27.99

This wine is the second label of Chateau Lilian Ladouys, which tracks it’s history in Bordeaux from the 16th century. A 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, its actually quite traditional in its use of oak (only 10% new) but beyond that is styled for the more modern consumer; soft, smooth, medium bodied and very likable while still in its youth.

2015 La Dame de Malescot

Margaux, FR

Regular Price $47.99

Sale price $37.99 Another second wine, from Château Malescot St. Exupery in Margaux, this wine is modern to its core. Full and dense, the grapes are fully ripe when picked and then modern techniques and new barrels are employed to give the wine weight and concentration.