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A few years ago the powers that be were telling us that the 2000 vintage was the “Vintage of the Century!” Now here come the 2005’s still in barrel and we’re hearing more of the same. All of this hoopla has left us with two problems. The greatest wines of the 2000 vintage are long gone, and the 2005’s are priced so high even the venerable Robert Parker warned against buying futures on these wines. This month I’m going to showcase some great alternatives to these much sought after wines.
Chateau La Cardonne, 2000, Medoc, Bordeaux, France $18
Hey this wine’s from 2000…..but you just said…. I know, I know, let me explain. While the big guys, the Lafite’s and and La Tour’s are long gone there are still some great values out there from this spectacular vintage. From the former technical director at Chateau Lafite (hey there’s that name again) Eric Fabre, it is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Previous vintages of this wine have always impressed me and the 2000 doesn’t disappoint. Like sitting in a French coffee shop eating a chocolate berry tart, and I swear there is some citrus rind in there. This wine is simply put, a killer value for what’s in the bottle!
Lucia, 2004, St Emilion, Bordeaux, France $50 Very Limited!!!
This wine is one of a new trend in Bordeaux of the Garage or Micro Chateau. Lucia is sourced from a tiny 7.5 acre parcel in the right bank commune of Saint Emilion. (think Chat. Chevel Blanc, Chat. Pavie) Like many St. Emilion wines, Lucia is predominantly Merlot (yes Miles was drinking $%&#@!# Merlot outta that Styrofoam cup) with Cabernet Franc to finish the blend. Not for the faint of heart, this wine is incredibly rich and concentrated. Big berry fruit up front with a nose like a saddle dipped in coffee grinds (a good thing I swear!) Been thinking about getting that $200 bottle of Château Angélus but just not sure? Give this one a try, but get it fast, there were only 1000 cases made and once our supply is gone it’s gone!
Chateau Leoville Las Cases “Clos du Marquis”, 1995,
St Julien, Bordeaux, France $75
In the past year I have had 2 older Bordeaux wines that have just floored me. The 1996 Carrauades De Lafite from Rothschild, and the 1995 Clos du Marquis from Leoville Las Cases. One thing that always amazes me is both of these wines are second labels; meaning this is the stuff that wasn’t good enough to go into the Grand Vin from these Chateaus. That being said, Las Cases produces some of the best wine from St. Julien and the 1995 Clos du Marquis doesn’t disappoint. An amazingly well balanced, elegant wine with oak and chocolate on the nose, gorgeous blackberry fruit up front and a finish that seemingly goes on forever! Decant for at least an hour to let this wine achieve it’s full potential. If you’re looking for a Shelby Cobra go with the Lucia, but if you’re in the mood for an Aston Martin give the 1995 Clos Du Marquis a test drive.
The Bordeaux Gems 3-pack
$143 $128.70
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