2004 Chateau Millaud Montlabert Saint Emilion Grand Cru

2004 Chateau Millaud Montlabert Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Love that this wine shows grace and balance even at this affordable price point.  The nose is light, even a bit faint but on the palate there’s nice ripe berry flavors, hints of dark chocolate and wet bark.  The medium finish on the Bordeaux is slightly tannic.  Top Saint-Emilion? No. Pretty nice, affordable Grand Cru? Yes.

70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Around $16.

 

2006 Chateau d’Arcins Haut Médoc

2006 Chateau d’Arcins Haut Médoc

Took a little while to stop staring at this deep purple-hued wine long enough to take a sniff, but was greeted by woodsy, spiced, ripe dark fruit aromas that gave a prelude to a tasty French beauty.  On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, powerful and showing notes of dark chocolate, dark cherries.  The finish is medium and just a bit tannic after decanting.

Paired this Bordeaux with roasted prime rib of beef and thought it was perfect.  Really should decant this wine for it to fully open up.

Pretty great Cru Bourgeois at the right price point.  Adding to my must-buy list.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Around $20.

2003 La Chapelle de Calon Saint-Estephe

Really enjoyed this wine.  It’s a good example of a Saint-Estephe Bordeaux, especially for a second wine.  Bold berry flavors and a super smooth finish that’s completely satisfying, particularly at about $25.