Bordeaux

• Barsac
• Bordeaux Supérieur
• Margaux
• Graves
  • Pessac-Leognan
• Haut-Medoc
• Listrac
• Pauillac
• Pomerol
• Saint Emilion
• Saint Estephe
• Saint Julian
• Sauternes

This has always been a controversial style.  Perhaps it is because it was release in an excellent vintage and a ripe one at that, but is made in an older, less ripe style.  It depends on what you are looking for.  Ruby in color with some browning.  The nose is very earthy with tobacco, slight bell pepper and black cherries.  On the palate, this has light tannins, cherry fruit and some complexity.  The bell pepper returns a bit on the finish.  It is quite enjoyable but certainly not a thrill ride that Mouton can, at time, provide.  It won't get any better from here and is either at peak or a

This was initially very dusty on opening.  I thought there might be some TCA, but it was just bottle stink as it blew off.  After that, it kept getting better for the next couple of hours.  Ruby in color with some browning, a bit flat.  The nose had dust, cassis, dried currents and a bit of funk.  On the palate, this has slight tannins still.  Cherries and dried cherries.  Some complexity.  Probably a bit past peak but still drinking quite well.  It works better with food and was excellent with stuffed mushrooms.  This probably needs to be consumed sooner than later although it should still

Any time one gets a chance to drink Mouton it is special.  Even if it wasn't from a stellar vintage.  Such is the case here.  Sort of a dark brown/ruby in color.  The nose has cinnamon but not really much else going on.  On the palate, this has tart acidity.  Slight dried cherry fruit.  It does have a nice texture.  It is certainly drinkable if old.  No point waiting on these any longer.  It will work better with food.  This was consumed with a group and a couple of them really enjoyed it.  Such is wine.  

This was not a good vintage and its been a long time.  This bottle was DOA.  Oxidized.  Oh well.  Certainly representative of most bottles at this time.  

This is a blend of 75% Merlots and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose is very tight but shows some black cherry.  Much more open on the palate.  Black cherry fruit with slight black raspberries.  Medium to light tannins.  Reasonably balanced.  A bit bitter on the finish.  This drinks quite easily on its own but would be better with a burger or other grilled food.  

This is one of the better houses making sweet dessert wines in Barsac.  This one was no exception. Light copper/orange in color.  Perhaps a bit darker than expected but not an issue.  On the nose, there is tropical fruit, slight each and a slight kindling smoke note.  On the palate, this is rich.  Plenty of Botrytis but good acidity to offset the sweetness.  Honey and tropical fruit on the palate.  Clean.  Long finish.  This is great on its own or with a more savory dessert (no chocolate).  It should easily last another fifteen to twenty years.  

This took about an hour to open and then was drinking great.  It is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot and 3.5% Cabernet Franc.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cassis, cigar box and cherries.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  Ripe fruit.  Lighter tannins.  Flavors of Cherries with some cassis, chocolate and clean(er) barnyard.  Good finish.  This is about at peak now but should be here for at least another five to seven years.  It will go well with roasted meats or fowl. 

This was a new wine for me to try.  Of all places, I had it tailgating at the Jets vs. Browns Monday Night game in NY (NJ).  Deep ruby in color, a bit lighter at the rim.  The nose is nice with cherries and slight dusty cigar box notes.  On the palate, this has a nice texture.  Medium bodied.  Plenty of cherry fruit with some underlying crushed leaves.  Some depth and complexity.  Good finish.  This works well with a wide variety of foods.  It seems at or at least close to peak.  It should have another five to seven years at this level.  

This seems to be a basic negoiant level wine.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries and slight bell peppers.  A bit of dust.  On the palate, the cherries come thru.  Not green but not ripe either.  No tannins.  Easy drinking.  Worked well with middle eastern foods.  Drink now.  No idea on the pricing but if around $10, this is a fine value and probably better in 2015 or 2016.  

This is from the younger wines at Chateau Pavie (under 10 years old).  It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries with a bit of cigar box.  On the palate, this is drinking well now.  Nice cherry fruit with a bit of cocoa and slight tobacco.  Not a lot of concentration or complexity but it is tasty.  Good acidity.  It seems as though this will be as good as this gets and thought it should do another five to ten years, the safer bet is to drink it now.  It will go well with stews and medium weight foods.