TNs on Inexpensive Bordeaux
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:34 pm
Tasted some inexpensive, recent-vintage Bordeaux. The Fonbadet is quite nice, and I think it sells for around $35 a bottle. Not amazing, of course, but worth having a bottle or two around if you like Bordeaux.
Chateau Fonbadet Pauilliac Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2008: Showcasing a sublime texture, the Fonbadet 2008 is one of the surprises of the vintage. Round and smooth, this nearly full-bodied offering delivers black raspberry and cassis-like flavors that are polished and concentrated. Excellent depth on the midpalate and finish, where soil tones add complexity. Composed of a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with sizeable percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well. Notably, the grapes for this wine come from a blend of non-contiguous vineyards that border the heavy hitters of Pauillac, including Chateaux Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Pontet Canet, and Lynch Bages. This is classic Bordeaux that cheats the vintage. Drink now-2017. (90 points)
Chateau Laudac Prestige Bordeaux Superior 2009: Dark purple core, fuschia at the rim. This blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc reveals trademark Bordeaux aromas and flavors of lead pencil, graphite, blackberries, and cassis, but in the relatively unBordeaux-like price range of $20. Noteworthy depth of flavor for such a well-priced Bordeaux. Drink now-2015. (89 points).
Chateau Peybrun 2009: Pleasing aromas and flavors of walnuts and ripe black fruits with an oily, minty midpalate. Medium-bodied. Drink now-2014. (87 points)
Chateau La Fleur St. Emilion 2008: Sappy and delicious, this fruit forward St. Emilion possesses a core of black fruits that have an exotic hint of banana. Extractive and easy to drink, there is a buttery oak component on the finish that marks this as new school St. Emilion. For winedrinkers who tend to avoid oak-laden wines, this may not be your cup of tea. Drink now-2014. (89 points).
Chateau Picque Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2008: Dark ruby. Mellow cassis aromas are followed by notes of dark soil, graphite, and blackberries. Very dry on the palate. Tres authentique. Drink now-2014. (87 points)
Chateau Fonbadet Pauilliac Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2008: Showcasing a sublime texture, the Fonbadet 2008 is one of the surprises of the vintage. Round and smooth, this nearly full-bodied offering delivers black raspberry and cassis-like flavors that are polished and concentrated. Excellent depth on the midpalate and finish, where soil tones add complexity. Composed of a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with sizeable percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well. Notably, the grapes for this wine come from a blend of non-contiguous vineyards that border the heavy hitters of Pauillac, including Chateaux Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Pontet Canet, and Lynch Bages. This is classic Bordeaux that cheats the vintage. Drink now-2017. (90 points)
Chateau Laudac Prestige Bordeaux Superior 2009: Dark purple core, fuschia at the rim. This blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc reveals trademark Bordeaux aromas and flavors of lead pencil, graphite, blackberries, and cassis, but in the relatively unBordeaux-like price range of $20. Noteworthy depth of flavor for such a well-priced Bordeaux. Drink now-2015. (89 points).
Chateau Peybrun 2009: Pleasing aromas and flavors of walnuts and ripe black fruits with an oily, minty midpalate. Medium-bodied. Drink now-2014. (87 points)
Chateau La Fleur St. Emilion 2008: Sappy and delicious, this fruit forward St. Emilion possesses a core of black fruits that have an exotic hint of banana. Extractive and easy to drink, there is a buttery oak component on the finish that marks this as new school St. Emilion. For winedrinkers who tend to avoid oak-laden wines, this may not be your cup of tea. Drink now-2014. (89 points).
Chateau Picque Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2008: Dark ruby. Mellow cassis aromas are followed by notes of dark soil, graphite, and blackberries. Very dry on the palate. Tres authentique. Drink now-2014. (87 points)