Affordable Bordeaux Wines

Is your favorite red wine cabernet sauvignon or merlot? If so, you are not alone, these varieties are today, the most popular red wines in the world. There was a time, about 500 years ago, when the only place that grew these grapes was the Bordeaux region of France and most of their wine production, because of political considerations, went to England. That is how the style of these wines that we have today was developed, to compliment the British palate and their style of food. Over the years, the style has been “written in stone” and, as the variety spread around the world, accompanied by its style.
In Bordeaux, it has become the custom not to label their wines with the grape variety, but in its place, they use the name of its place of origin which is often the name of the Chateau where the wine was made or the vineyard where the grapes were grown. Bordeaux wines are mostly blends, with the major constituent, often being cabernet sauvignon which is blended with merlot, cabernet franc or some other red grape grown in the district.
The wines of Bordeaux have long been famed for their delicacy and flavor. They poses an earthy element derived from the regions soil that is found nowhere else in the world. The fruit is there also, but not as much as in the often overstated American wines. Bordeaux wines are also noted for being pricy, we have recently sampled some that were not only affordable but also indicative of the style that made Bordeaux famous.

2007 Chateau Argadens Bordeaux Superieur Rouge ($14). Even though this wine has been in the bottle for several years, it retains its fresh, bright flavor and aroma The 2007 Chateau Argadens is dark in color and has the traditional Bordeaux trademark of a black current, berry, and oak aroma. The flavor is fruity but subdued and elegant stressing black current, berry and plum and mint, with just a hint of chocolate and oak in the background. This is a fine wine that is also an excellent value.

Mission Saint Vincent 2008 Bordeaux Rouge ($10). For the history buff, this wine was made at a 12th century monastery (but not by Monks) which has been converted into a winery The wine displays an aroma heavy with summer flowers and plums. The flavor caters to the freshness of a new wine while also displaying the subdued, elegance of an aged wine. Here too, the Bordeaux signature black current flavor is the most obvious, while berries and oak bring up the rear. As is the case with all of the château wines of the Bordeaux, this wine can still benefit from some bottle aging, but it will also do fine for current drinking.

2007 Chateau Lestrille Bordeaux Superieur Rouge ($9) A brilliantly balanced wine, Chateau Lestrille shares its flavors and structure with the rest of the Bordeaux but like all of the chateau wines of the district, it displays its own particular nuances and charm. With this wine it is a smoky effect combined with the aromas of bell peppers, leather and truffles. These carry over to the flavor where they mingle with oak and cedar. The finish is long and very enjoyable.

2009 Sirius ($13).This wine is a bit of a maverick; it uses a trade name on the label and is composed of 65% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon. It is also a signature wine of the Peter Sichel family, noted wine merchants in France. Peter Sichel is a World War II hero and recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal for his work as a US Foreign Service Officer. This is another wine that carries the typical flavor and aroma of the Bordeaux; black currents, oak and berries with the merlot contributing the aroma and flavor of cherries. The 2009 Sirius is a gem in itself and is priced well below its quality when compared with the premium name, high priced Chateau wines.