Chateau Ferrière 2003

This was the wine we brought to Bordeaux the Bordeaux night.
A really lifted nose, showing fresh blackcurrant and berry fruits. The tannins are completely in keeping with the fruit and acidity. I get lots of toasted oak on the palet. Ripe and supple presence, really crisp style with freshness. This is a nice example of good Bordeaux. A perfect wine to pair with any red meat. This is probably true of most Bordeaux reds.

Marius Rating: 90

Read more about the history of this wine and about Bordeaux wines in general at http://www.thewinedoctor.com

chateau ferrande graves 2003

well...
this will not be the lengthiest of reviews.
this bordeaux had quite possibly the loveliest bouquet.
my nose was in heaven, my mouth anxious...
the glass was full of juicy, luscious berries with an elegant floral hint.

the taste was quite different.
it started fruity, earthy, leathery, but had a very dry middle.
i believe it would have benefited greatly from some airing...
to me, this wine lacked a smoothe balance, it wasnt a bad wine.
but, i believe there are better.
it is, in my opinion, hard to go wrong with a bordeaux, what i did learn from this tasting night was as far as this selection went, there were no "bad" bordeauxs, just "better".

should you need a good red for a smokey, meaty or strong cheese occasion, grab a bordeaux.

2003 Tour de Mirambeau Cuvée Passion

Here is some interesting information I found about the wine.

And here is what Parker had to say;

"The 2003 Tour de Mirambeau Cuvee Passion, a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, enjoys malolactic in barrel, upbringing on its lees, and virtually no clarification at bottling. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color, low acidity, great fruit on the attack, mid-palate, and finish, and a long, lush, heady aftertaste. This stunning effort must be tasted to be believed. It should drink well for 5-10 years. It is natural to focus on the great Bordeaux estates that sell for the highest prices, but Bordeaux desperately needs more producers like the Despagnes to produce wines such as this since more than 90% of the entire viticultural area is generic appellations such as Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur. Bravo!"

2004 Château Cantenac Brown

Château Cantenac-Brown is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. This wine is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. The average time spent in barrels is 16 to 20 months and the average age of vines is 25 years. The offers generous amounts of soft, easygoing blackcurrant fruit, medium body and a soft finish. Great with red meats.

Bordeaux under $25!

Jim and I just got the latest Food & Wine magazine and low and behold there is a little blurb that recommends 5 bordeaux under $25. I thought I would share them in case anyone needs a little help with their selection for our next meeting - I know I sure do!

Chateau Bonnet Rouge ($12)
Chateau Greysac ($16)
Chateau Cap de Faugeres ($17)
Chateau Charmail ($20)
Chateau Gigault Cuvee Viva ($23