A focus on selected wines from Bordeaux during November and December 2008
Chateau Camerac 2006 £6.79
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this has been made using natural yeasts with lengthy vatting to maximise flavour and complexity. Nice nose and supple tannins make this very pleasant and excellent value – drinking right now.
(Merlot : 55% Cabernet Sauvignon : 35%, Cabernet Franc : 20% – 13% vol.)
Chateau de Bon Ami 2003 £6.99
Although of a lowly Bordeaux Rouge classification a wine we have shipped for a few years now because it is good honest claret. 2003 was a good vintage, very hot, which has meant some wines have not lasted, but this is still drinking well. For immediate enjoyment.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 41%, Cabernet Franc : 20%, Merlot : 39% – 13% vol.)
Chateau Moulin de Mallet 2006 £6.99
A recent addition to the range. Lovely supple wine with aromas of red fruits that can be enjoyed now or kept for a year or so. From the commune of Pujols, very near to St Emilion. Gold medal at the Concours de Bordeaux.
(Merlot : 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon : 20% – 13% vol)
Chateau La Tuilerie Du Puy 2005 Supérieur £7.99
This Cuvee Tradition has no oak ageing but nevertheless shows just how good the 2005 vintage was. Full of soft fruit flavours and fleshy tannins this is one of the best Bordeaux reds you will taste at this price level.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 41%, Merlot : 39%, Cabernet Franc : 20% – 13.5% vol.)
Chateau d’Argadens 2004, Supérieur £8.99
Classic Bordeaux from the ever reliable negotiant Sichel. Crafted by them to be accessible and ready to drink. Argadens consistently wins awards and is well priced.
(Merlot : 55%, Cabernet Sauvignon : 45% – 13% vol.)
Chateau les Bertrands Cuvee Prestige 2005, 1er Cotes de Blaye £8.99
Catch a glimpse of the exceptional 2005 vintage through this wine and it gives you an idea about what the fuss is all about! Still young and yet packed with fruit and soft tannins. Spicy but with nice vanilla overtones from the oak ageing, one third new barrels, one third one year old and one third two year old barrels.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 50%, Merlot : 50% – 12.5% vol.)
Chateau La Tuilerie du Puy 2003 Futs de Chene, Supérieur £9.25
Another example of great Bordeaux at a sensible price. Rich and full bodied but with a nice balance of blackcurrant fruit and oak. This 2003 is at its peak now and is one to enjoy over the next few months.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 41% Merlot : 39% Cabernet Franc : 20% - 13.5 vol.)
Cru Cantemerle 2003, Superieur £9.99
A wine that defies its ‘superieur’ classification to which it is limited by virtue of its location. The wine. however, is made in a ‘grand vin’ manner – old vines, low yields, oak ageing and is a relatively new venture, undertaken by two talented vignerous brothers.
(Merlot : 82%, Cabernet Sauvignon : 12%, Cabernet Franc : 4%, Malbec : 1%, Petit Verdot : 1% – 13% vol)
Chateau Toumilon 2004, Graves £9.99
Very Graves in style with good fruit and a cedary touch – one we discovered last year that stood out in a large comparative tasting, leaving us no choice but to buy some.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 60%, Merlot : 30%, Cabernet Franc : 10% – 12% vol
Chateau de la Nauve 2006 Saint Emilion £9.99
A small family property well-situated in St Emilion.A full bouquet and ripe red fruit flavours on the palate from the Merlot grape. Whilst still young it is already soft enough to enjoy now.
(Merlot : 90% Cabernet Franc : 10% – 12.5% vol.)
Chateau Devise d’Ardilley 2004 Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc £10.99
Round and full flavoured with soft tannins and good fruit – good
for drinking now or keeping for up to five years.
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 50% Merlot : 45% Petit Verdot : 5% – 13% vol.)
Chateau Senejac 2004, Haut Medoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur £13.99
A property on the up and up, consistently producing good wines. “Fine deep colour, with a lovely expression of Cabernet and Merlot fruit. Its floral fragrance, finesse and breed stand out amongst some good, but less elegant wines.” Drink 2009-18 (Decanter magazine)
(Cabernet Sauvignon : 60% Merlot : 25% Cabernet Franc : 14% Petit Verdot : 1% – 13% vol)
Chateau Cambon La Pelouse 2003 Haut Medoc £13.99
Like Senejac a property with a great reputation over recent years. Huge colour, terrific extract of really lovely blackcurrant leaf, small berry Cabernet fruit, smooth and ripe. Very good vinification combining intensity and elegance. Enjoy now and over the next five years.
(Merlot : 50% Cabernet Sauvignon : 30% Cabernet Franc : 18% Petit Verdot : 2% – 13% vol)
Nectar des Bertands 2005, 1er Cotes de Blaye £16.99
Produced from a tiny four-hectare plot, low yields for super concentration and then aged for seventeen months in new barrels. A wine of the modern style, not to everyone’s taste because the new oak dominates but wait for it to ease back and then be pleased you put some away for a year or two because this will be stunning! Fruity with a touch of coffee, roasted and grilled flavours full of blackcurrants. A worthy flagship wine from this estate!
(Merlot : 100%,- 13% vol)
Chateau Haut Beausejour 2003 St Estephe Cru Bourgeois £16.99
Acquired by the Champagne House Roederer in 1992 the resulting investment has lifted the quality of this wine whereby it now represents excellent value for money. Lively on the palate with great structure that St. Estèphe is known for. Nice soft tannins and toasty oak combined with ripe fruit make this a wine for immediate enjoyment.
(Merlot : 52%, Cabernet Sauvignon : 40% Petit Verdot : 5%, Côt : 3% – 13% vol)
