This is one of our favorite value plays in Bordeaux. It is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose features cherries, slight black cherries, spice, slight graphite and cedar. Medium to full bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, this drinks easy. Cherries, black cherries, slight chocolate and slight char. Good balance. Nice finish. At almost nine years old, this seems to be mature but with plenty of life left. A nice level of complexity. This is nice on its own but even better with food. A great choice for a mid day m
This is a Bordeaux styled blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Carmenere, 11% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc from Chile. It is also a very nice value for the quality. Purple at the core with a ruby rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is tight but opens up to cassis, coffee and spice. Nothing green on the nose. On the palate, black cherries, cassis, smoke and fresh tobacco. Medium tannins. Softer texture. This is surprisingly open right from the start. There is a nice complexity. It drinks easily now and should continue for the next ten to twelve years. A nice m
This is a great value wine from Chile. The name Escudo Rojo is a literal Spanish translation of the Rothschild name. Purple/ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, with slight wintergreen and rosemary. Classic Chilean Cabernet notes. Full bodied with big fruit. On the palate, the cassis comes thru along with smoke and some black cherries. Firm tannins. Some depth. This may improve a bit, it needs a few more years to develop to reach peak, and should drink well for the next seven to ten years. Hard to find a better Cab for under $20.
This was tasted completely blind and did quite well although it was one of the most inexpensive bottles on the table. This label is perennially among the best values in Bordeaux. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. Opaque and bright. The nose is very nice and classic. Black cherries with cedar. Clean. On the palate, this has medium body. Tart, black cherry fruit. Light tannins. Solid finish. This is drinking well now and won't get better. That said, it should provide great drinking for at least five to seven more years and likely more.
This is a red Chassagne. It drinks very well right now. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose earthy with black cherries. Nice lush texture. Black cherry fruit on the palate. Delicious. Some complexity. Riper fruit than expected. Good finish. This will drink well on its own or with Pinot Noir friendly foods. It probably won't get much better but should be good for another 5 to 7 years at least.