Bordeaux Blend

Really impressive showing for this Bordeaux.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is great with cassis, cigar box, graphite and slight earthiness.  Full bodied.  Light tannins.  Great balance.  On the palate, this is complex and deep.  Layers of cassis, tobacco and earthiness.  Long finish.  This is delicious and contemplative on its own but would also be great with a hearty meal such as Prime Rib or a Vegetable Tagine.  It still should have another ten to fifteen years left.  

This is an 80/20 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc and very impressive.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is expressive with black cherries, tobacco, cedar, spice and char.  Full bodied.  Silky texture.  Great balance.  On the palate, this is delicious with depth and some complexity.  Flavors of black cherries, cherries, tobacco and earth.  Long finish.  This is drinking well now but should improve as it cellars.  Drink over the next twenty years.  great on its own, this will work great with traditional matches such as Lamb Stew or Grilled Steak.  

From Magnum.  Consumed at a friends 60th birthday party.  While this was fun, sadly it was pretty close to being DOA.  Brown in color.  No real fruit left.  It was not vinegar but offered little other than a way cool factor.  It was a hot (for the times) vintage that offered ripe Merlots and at age 60, this bottle anyway had nothing left.

This is an easy drinking, affordable Bordeaux that is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is dusty with black cherries and spice.  medium to full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, nice black cherry fruit with some spice and char.  Long finish.  This is drinking well now and should go another five to eight years.  A nice wine on its own or a good choice with a burger.