Bordeaux wines range from high-end to quite affordable. They are versatile, complex, storied and ultimately delicious. Back in July I wrote a blog post all about Bordeaux wines. It was so interesting to learn how far back the region’s history stretches. And when I went to a Bordeaux After Work Party at Marben Restaurant later that week, I felt like I was enjoying the wines on a deeper level since I learnt a bit about the backstory.
Here’s a short overview of some of the fancy shmancy Bordeaux wines the LCBO carries… the kind I dream about and maybe one day will consume chez moi (if a girl can’t dream on her own blog, where can she dream?):
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 1999 | VINTAGES 176347
1500 mL bottle, Price: $ 1775.00
Release Date: May 5, 2010
Tasting Note:
The sexy, dark plum/purple-colored 1999 Margaux is already revealing complex aromatics. This surprisingly charming and round offering is reminiscent of a vintage such as 1985. Although neither a blockbuster nor a heavyweight, it grows in the mouth revealing tremendous length as well as purity. Administrator Paul Pontallier prefers it to the more austere 1998, as do I. This is an archetypical Chateau Margaux of richness, finesse, balance, and symmetry. It can be drunk young, but promises to age nicely for two decades. Extrapolating backwards, it would probably have something in common with the underrated 1962 Medocs. Score – 94. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, April 2002)
CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 1990 | VINTAGES 246512
6000 mL bottle, Price: $ 1649.00
Tasting Note:
Youthful, yet slightly one-dimensional now. Plum, berry and mineral aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, firm acidity and a medium finish. Still seems a bit closed. 1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2004. Score – 90. (James Suckling, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2000)
CHÂTEAU PALMER 1989 | VINTAGES 188771
1500 mL bottle, Price: $ 1645.00
Release Date: May 6, 2010
Tasting Note:
Palmer’s 1989 is one of the vintage’s great successes. The wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, a sweet, jammy nose of black fruits, intermingled with floral scents, licorice, and a touch of truffles. Full-bodied and supple, with low acidity, copious quantities of ripe fruit and glycerin, and a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, harmonious, seamless texture, this is a gorgeous Palmer. It may turn out similar to this estate’s brilliant 1962 and 1953. Although approachable, it will improve for another decade, and last for 20-25 years. Score – 95. (James Suckling, erobertparker.com, Feb. 1997)
Alas, maybe my dreams won’t come true today… instead, methinks I shall get this:
BORDEAUX DISCOVERY CHEST | VINTAGES 908459
6×750 mL bottle, Price: $ 129.95
Release Date: Oct 30, 2010
Description:
A favourite every year, this Bordeaux Discovery Chest contains six award-winning bottles from the prestigious Bordeaux region, including one bottle each of Château Grand Champs 2008, Château Ducla 2007, Château Ducla 2009, Château Proms Bellevue 2008, Château Aurensanne 2006 and Château Picoron 2006.
Sounds like a great way to taste my way around the Bordeaux region, from the comfort of my own home.
And when I’m not sat sipping sur le divan, methinks I shall pop out to King West for some social sampling as Bordeaux Wine Council in partnership with iYellow Wine Group present their next, and final, Bordeaux After Work Party on Monday October 24th from 6pm to 8pm at Crush Wine Bar.
For more information on Bordeaux wine, visit www.bordeaux.com.
A votre santé,
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