Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

09 La Prade [Cotes de Francs / Bordeaux] I'm not sure what the true AOC titling is here, since the label seems to impute both CdF and CdB. It's states 14.5% abv, but doesn't feel clunkier than you'd expect. Popped and poured over 3 days, on the first night with couscous, lamb chops, and a smoky paprika rubbed roast cauliflower. Kind of French Foreign Legion & Afrika Korps mashup feel to the supper. At age 10 the color is still more on the dark purple side, no bricking at the edges yet. I get a hint of oak on the nose, and then roast coffee. On the palate blackberries, maybe some plums. It has good balance, but the tannins have receded mostly. Pleasurable, but a bit of a single note here. I bet it was a little better younger. In this small satellite, which I don't taste / drink often nor much, I quite like Ch. Marsau. This is a solid slurp -- and a fair enough trade for the merlot enthusiast at $18.50. Still, I'm not going to go out of my way to buy more or look for other vintages. I'd give this a strong B, maybe a B+. It doesn't have a distinctive chord to it.



"How cunning it was to rename the Cote de Francs! Soon my plan to ensnare Minister Macaron will be complete"

Nice fingernails

times 2!

Arv,

I admire your eclecticism and experimentation with the lesser-known wines.

La Prade belongs to Nicolas Thienpont, who makes wines at a couple of Saint-Emilion grands crus classés.

Côtes de Francs is an itsy-bitsy appellation. The wines are never expensive, and often quite good.
The wine you had seems like really good value for money.

All the best,
Alex

Agree on the Cotes de Francs value.....i drank through my case of the 2000 Marsau a few years ago and wish i had more....just can't be beat for under $20 bottle