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 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
A nice showing for this 2014. Given that, it is probably worth checking out the 2015 or 2016. This retails for around $25. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has plums along with some dusty tobacco. Also a very interesting saline feature. On the palate, this is very tannic. Black cherry fruit with a bit of earthiness. Good balance. Nice finish. Everything you could want in a value Bordeaux.
This is a Trader Joe's wine made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an easy drinking rose that is easy on the budget. Deep pink/orange in color. The nose has some watermelons and strawberries. Light bodied. On the palate, a bit of clean strawberries. Drank well enough on its own and worked with a variety of garden and fruit salads. Drink up this summer.
This is the second wine of Château Tour Baladoz. It is produced made from the youngest vines and consists of 90% Merlot. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, slight milk chocolate and spice. Full bodied. On the palate, there are light tannins. The cherries and chocolate come thru with slight earthiness. Nice finish. Not profound but tasty and easy drinking. Drink over the next five to ten years. This drinks well on its own and would be a nice match with stuffed peppers.
This has always been one of my favorite value Bordeaux wines almost always hitting above its weight class. This is no exception. Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has some nice funk with black cherries, and slight green bell pepper. Medium bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, black cherries, some cherries with just a hint of bell pepper and black pepper. Nice balance. Nice finish. This needs some time and food to shine. Give it a nice decant or a few years in the cellar. Drink over the next ten. It will work well with a beef stew or cassoulet.
