TN: 2010 Haut Grignon, Medoc

[Racer Chris]

My local retailer called this a "modern" Bordeaux.
My impression is of a well meaning attempt at restraint in a ripe year.
The tannins are strong, much more so than in a California Cabernet - drying but not massive.
The blend is 65% Cabernet, 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot.
Alcohol level is 14%; high but less than many wines of better pedigree in the same vintage.
The influence of oak is subtle, not imparting any overt flavors.
There is a little bit of green around the edges, not unpleasant.
Fruit is mostly cherry and plum, little cassis. No overt notes of cedar, mushroom, or minerality.
Good acidity, modest finish. A simple, pleasant Bordeaux for a weeknight.
C+

[stefan]

Vintage?

[Racer Chris]

Vintage?

title edited.

[AKR]

Is this a Medoc AOC or a Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

I've started picking up a few of the Jeffrey Davies styled Bordeaux level wines.

Reignac way back in the past was an early example of his influence, as was Charmail (although that is a Haut Medoc) and others.

Had a Croix Mouton recently. Some of these are really punching way about their price points.

[Racer Chris]

Is this a Medoc AOC or a Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
...

My mistake, it is not Bordeaux Superieur.

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

I've had some nice AOC Medoc wines in the past year, 2010s and 2009s that I picked up from K&L in the $12-$14 range. I try to avoid the ones that have been dumbed-down to the 80% merlot level. In nice vintages your get some nice ripe cabernet there and it tends to show (warning, value-laden terms coming) a welcome rusticity and even honesty which sets them apart from (and above) easy-going swill from other parts of the globe.

[Racer Chris]

Another low priced Medoc, Cru Bourgeois that I've been enjoying is the 2009 Chateau La Cardonne. I think its still available for around $15.

[AKR]

Hmmm better luck than I had with the 09 Cardonne

http://www.bordeauxwineenthusiasts.com/ ... f=4&t=5608

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

Yes, the Cardonne was one I enjoyed. Arv's lot must have been sheddy.

http://www.bordeauxwineenthusiasts.com/ ... nne#p49901

I also liked the 2010 Ch. Le Tertre de Caussan. I did not care for the 2010 Ch. Lestruelle, or at least not my idea of a Medoc wine. Not a bad wine but very sweet and simple, 85% merlot, Derenoncourt consulting.

[Racer Chris]

The other two Medoc chateaux I can speak of are Greysac and Pierre de Montignac.
The couple of '10 Greysac bottles I bought were not that enjoyable. I wondered if it was shut down.
By contrast, the '11 Greysac is good now, and bigger than expected for a 2011.

I like the '10 Pierre de Montignac. The '11s and '12s are fair, not as good as 2010 but more approachable now.

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

As many Bordeaux wines have become more "user friendly" I have sought out pockets of rusticity. I realized from drinking the three listed above that even at the 35-40% level of cabernet that rustic grippiness starts to shine through.