A portion of the Grands Chênes was used to marinade a butterflied leg of lamb, then forgotten and left on the counter until the next day, when it was rediscovered and drunk with the lamb. It held up well after a day at room temp. It lived up to its name (great oaks) but was very pleasing if you are not oak-averse, and it went really well with the lamb.
The Rochemorin is the 2010 version of a wine (the 2009) that Robert Goulet gushed over about this time last year. The 2010 appears to be a hit for its price as well.
- 2005 Château Les Grands Chênes - France, Bordeaux, Médoc (1/1/2015)
Cellared since release, perfect fill and cork. Used about 1/3 of the bottle for a lamb marinade, then consumed the next day with the dish. Held up very well with notes similar to prior bottles. Dark red to rim. Dark cherry, cassis, beef on nose, full body, ripe fruit, noticeable oak, smooth and well-balanced, great QPR, very good to excellent. - 2010 Château de Rochemorin - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (1/2/2015)
Pop and pour a few hours after bringing this one home from the store. Dark red to rim. Opens up nicely in less than 30 minutes to show Graves-y stony minerally earth, ripe fresh red fruits, cherry, bit of leather and cassis on the nose. Medium body, nice balance with crisp fresh fruits, minerality, palate follows the nose, bit of tannins, medium finish. Nice Graves typicity and great QPR. Not sure if this is made for the long haul but should continue to drink well for the next 5-10 years. Very good to excellent.