Tasting notes, Dec. 7, 2024; wines of Bordeaux

                     Bordeaux

2023 Arromans Blanc
On Sale for $13.99
Entre-Deux-Meres / Bordeaux / France
45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Colombard
Sourced from 35-year-old vines planted on clay and limestone, the Arromans Blanc is aged on its lees for three months. Leading with citrus aromas and flavors, this is lovely as an aperitif.
2016 Cantemerle Grand Vin
On Sale for $43.99
Haut-Médoc / Bordeaux/ France
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
A classified growth, Cantemerle is a large 225-acre property planted in mostly sandy, gravelly soils. The wine is aged for 16 months in 40% new French oak. Fresh and full of red fruit, this 2016 is just reaching peak maturity.
2016 Citran Grand Vin
On sale for $25.99
Haut-Médoc / Bordeaux / France
43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
Sourced from 25-year-old vines planted in a combination of sand and gravel, Citran is aged for 12-14 months in 40% new French oak. This is a rather old estate, dating back to the 13th century.
2016 Croix Cardinale Grand Vin
On Sale for $39.99
Saint-Emilion / Bordeaux / France
72% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc
The vineyards of Croix Cardinale are contiguous to those of Fleur Cardinale and owned by the same family, however, Croix Cardinale is fermented and aged at a separate facility. Aged for 13 months in 28% new French oak.
2018 Taillefer Grand Vin
On Sale for $39.99
Pomerol / Bordeaux / France
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Sourced from 30-year-old vines planted in sand with a high concentration of iron, Taillefer boasts a unique terroir for the Pomerol appellation. The wine is aged for 15 months in 33% new French oak.
1996 Guiraud Grand Vin
On Sale for $48 (375mL)
Sauternes / Bordeaux / France
65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermented in new oak prior to 24 months elevage in 50% new French oak barrels, Guiraud is one of the finest producers of Sauternes. The 1996 has reached full maturity.