This is a really interesting and tasty Bordeaux blend from Cotes de Castillon in the south of France. The pour is a very deep purple, almost black. On the swirl, the legs are plentiful and enticing.
The nose on this wine is very complex and inviting. The first aromas I got were black cherries and licorice...thankfully the licorice is mild and not overpowering, and also short-lived. The next wave of smells is dominated by sweet plums and blueberries. This aroma lasts for a few seconds longer than the first bit and is very enjoyable...reminds me of fresh jam. The last little smell I get is the most interesting: there is still a hint of fruit, blackberries and black currants, but the best part is the mocha flavor that makes its appearance at the end of the sniffy-sniff. Aromatically, this wine is a homerun! Honestly, I sniffed this wine for almost five minutes before even thinking about tasting it.
Then, when I finally got around to tasting it, I was confused at first because the flavors in the mouth are so very different than the flavors in the nose. Tannins dominate the palate, and while they were slightly overpowering to start, they really grew on me in the first few sips. The tannins are sweet and lively, and the midpalate begins to show the balance and character of this wine. The midplate is full-bodied and fills each corner of your mouth with flavors of black currant, blackberry and a subtle minerality with the tannic base still present but more subdued. The finish is very youthful and cool on the tongue; the tannins return stronger than ever for a moment, balanced with chilled cherries and a long, elegant aftertaste. While I enjoyed the nose more than the palate at first, the flavor profile and breadth of this wine really got my attention and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to see what high-end Bordeaux blends are really about.
Rating: 94
Retail: $40
I enjoyed this with a prime rib dinner. This wine would also compliment duck or a ripe French cheese. I am already looking forward to the next occasion to open a bottle of this brilliant red Bordeaux!
