2009 Chateau Grand-Maison Valades

[Nicklasss]

I remember Bourg, when I had lunch with AlexR there in 2012. I thought it was a nice little town, surrounded by vineyards, slightly rustic Merlot, but very Bordeaux in the mind.

Tonight, the 2009 Chateau Grand-Maison Valades is slightly rustic, with 80-85% merlot and the rest of malbec. But medium nice nose, with all the expected dark red berries, light plums, sweet vanilla oak, and sweet Black licoriçe. Mouth is medium lower, lot of soil flavors, very good flowers and light purple grape flavors. Red berries too. Good tanins. A genuine "great" 20$ red Bordeaux. Of course, you will never confuse that with Montrose if tasted blind, but even if the Crus Classés retain all international attention, the Côtes de Bourg and all other less known AOC are also what Bordeaux is all about. Tn: 87-88.

P.s. AlexR, next time I'm in Bordeaux, we need to go there.

Nic

[AKR]

Sounds like some of these smaller 09s are worth drinking now. I have a some mixed cases that I have not yet tried of this ilk.