Tasting notes, Feb. 9, 2019: Wines of Bordeaux

2017 Château La Rame Blanc

Bordeaux

Regular Price $22.99

Sale price $17.99

This is a fresh and well balanced Sauvignon Blanc from an family owned estate that strives to make traditional wines from a Bordeaux appellation (Sainte Croix du Mont) that has been overlooked for decades. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, the bright citrus flavors jump from the glass

2017 Château de Fontenille Blanc

Entre-deux-Mers

Regular Price $14.99

Sale price $11.99

This blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon gris, 20% Sémillon, and 20% Muscadelle likewise sees no oak, but the grape blend presents more round and stone fruit flavors than the previous wine. Crisp and clean, the wine over delivers

2016 Château Grand Launay

Cotes de Bourg

Regular Price $18.99

Sale price $13.99

The Cotes de Bourg were planted by Romans in the 2nd century AD and throughout history have been both an important port on the Gironde River as well well regarded Right Bank appellation. Warmer, drier, and sunnier than many Bordeaux appellations, Merlot and Malbec have long been the dominant grapes and this wine is no exception. Rich and well structured, this wine shows the classic characteristics of the appellation: understated fruit in balance with mineral and earth tones, medium bodied and well made.

2015 Château Lanessan

Haut-Medoc

Regular Price $27.99

Sale price $21.99

Founded in 1793, Lanessan is one of the few Bordeaux estates still in the hands of the founding family. That said, while the wine has certainly changed since the 18th century, it’s still one of the examples of classic Left Bank Bordeaux. Comprised of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wines shows classic earthy, graphite and tobacco aromas wrapped around fresh dark berry flavors. Well structured, yet soft, the wine is drinking quite well now and will likely age well in the short term.

2016 La Closerie des Eyrins

Margaux

Regular Price $44.99

Sale price $35.99

The royal couple of French wine are Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville, who control their joined family’s vineyard in Champagne, Sauternes, Bordeaux Superieur and Margaux. This wine, their second label from Chateau des Eyrins in Margaux shoes the quality of their holdings and attention to detail in producing their wines. Comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s very classy and polished with bright berry flavors vying with classic graphite and leather hints from the loose gravelly soil of Margaux.

2015 Château Tauzinat l’Hermitage

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Regular Price $27.99

Sale price $21.99

This is a great example of a modern take on Bordeaux. Rich and plush, with ample dark berry flavors and a well-defined oak presence, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is Bordeaux for the New World wine aficionado.