Rediscover Bordeaux!

In today's wine market it seems as though many people overlook the once sought after wines of Bordeaux. Consumers default to California and other "new world" sourced cabernets. Quite often at the mere mention of Bordeaux, people assume they will have to drop big bucks in order to delve into the wines of the historic region. Little do people know there are great wines at reasonable prices. In addition, we are in the midst of 2 excellent vintages for bordeaux - 2009 & 2010. Here are a couple wines that are great finds:

2009 Lillian Ladouys, Saint-Estephe,(60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot)- $29.99/bottle. This wine can hold it's own against most California cabernets of this price. It has wonderful density, a rich and complex taste, and persistent finish. This wines begs for a nice juicy sirloin steak!

2009 Cateau Du Pin,(80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) - $9.99/bottle. Wow!, for 10 bucks you get a really nice entry level bordeaux. This wine, unlike the the first one, sees no time in oak barrel. As a result you get a vibrant wine showing loads of ripe red fruit. You can certainly drink this wine with red meat, but it also can be served with poultry dishes due to the lighter style that it is made in.

What should also be noted is the inclusion of merlot in most bordeaux wines. After the release of the popular movie "Sideway's", merlot experienced a dramatic decrease in consumption due to the movies "slam" to that grape varietal. To an extent, it was helpful in the fact that it knocked some poorly made and over-produced wines out of the market. What is unfortunate is that many people have taken on this anti-merlot stance without having ever tried it. Keep in mind they have been using merlot in Bordeaux for hundreds of years, that alone is a testament to the value of the grape. It adds depth and complexity. In the movie sideways the lead character, Miles, indicates that his most cherished wine is a bordeaux called Cheval Blanc, which is made mostly with merlot! Quite frequently

when a customer asks for a "softer style" cabernet sauvignon I recommend a merlot and all too ofter the customer cringes at the mention of merlot.

Now that we are entering autumn please come in and try a bordeaux and PLEASE don't eliminate merlot from your wine experience without giving it a chance.

Cheers!

-Greg