September 23, 2011
Proposed title: 2008 Bordeaux - Rag to Riches story
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On October 1, 2008 Bordeaux wines will be available for purchase across British Columbia. Bordeaux wines are highly prized and each vintage unique. Unlike many Bordeaux vintages, this vintage faced and overcame significant challenges. This vintage is a rag to riches story.
In 2008, Bordeaux winemakers faced early weather problems. Through careful vineyard management, grape selection and a long autumn, they overcame these challenges and produced wines that international wine expert, Robert Parker, considers being classics and representing excellent value. While we wait for the 2008 Bordeaux release, here are some suggestions that you may enjoy.
Pavillon Arnaud
Minervois 2009 (346791)
France
$13.95
France's wine laws -- Appellation Contrll -- were first laid out centuries ago. Under this system, the Minervois wine region was not officially recognized with AC status until 1985. This region of France, part of the larger AC of Languedoc-Roussillon, lies slightly in land from the Mediterranean Sea and a little north of the Pyrenees Mountains that become the border between Spain and France. Here so much wine is produced they are in part responsible for the wine lake, as it's called, or the wine glut. We benefit from this in that good wine can be bought for reasonable prices. In the Pavillon Arnaud 2009 (346791) for $13.95 we have an example of just that. This red wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah and offers a more red that purple colour and fragrant with raspberry, sour cherry and spices even though appealing I had trouble identifying, but definitely on the savoury side. In the mouth this medium-bodied wine has fresh red berry flavours along with a little mouth-watering acidity and slight tannin, but enough to pair with lighter meats such as pork or poultry.
Teillery
Organic
Carmenre 2010 (163287)
Chile
$14.99
A red organic wine from Chile is one from their signature Carmenre grape. The Teillery winery has its organic certification from Switzerland's Institute for Marketecology of and has been growing organic grapes since the early 90's. The vineyards are located in the Maipo Valley and its relative isolation from other plots made going organic easier. This grape is one of the six red grapes of Bordeaux, however rarely found in France today it flourishes in Chile. The 2010 Teillery Carmenre (163287) is deep purple colour and appears dense in the glass. With aromas of ripe black berries a hint of pepper and maybe a touch of chocolate it was very inviting. On the palate there is a hint of sweetness in this fuller-bodied wine. Nice blackberry flavours and that hint of spice. I found the acidity low so maybe that allows that hint of sweet. The tannins here are very fine which makes me think this might be the perfect pairing for turkey or ham. A bottle of this organic wine will cost you $14.99.
Jacob's Creek Reserve
2007 (556696)
Australia
$14.99
Australia's Barrosa Valley is renowned for its Shiraz wines. Recently, I tried Jacob's Creek 2007 Reserve (556696) and was pleasantly surprised. At $14.99 a bottle, it over delivers for the price point. Jacob's Creek wines are part of Orlando Wines and the main wine brand for Orlando with production beginning in 1976.
Today, Jacob's Creek is one of Australia's most successful brands with 80 per cent of production going to 50+ export markets worldwide. In the glass, you'll find a crimson coloured red wine that is nearly opaque and a multitude of aromas. This wine is the result of careful grape selection, malolactic fermentation, and maturation in both new and old oak barrels. When nosing this red I found rich aromas of blackberry, plum and black cherry, along with that a hint of toasted oak, vanilla and spice. In the mouth is where the real pleasure begins. This is a full-bodied, fruit forward wine. You will taste the black tree fruits and berries with a suggestion of sweet that lingers on the velvety tannic finish. This is a great wine to serve with red roasted meat, medium to strong cheese or simple on its own.
