Bordeaux Archives - It Must Be Wine O'clock

Three warming reds for Bonfire Night!

It’s the time of year when the air is usually filled with the smell of bonfires and the sound of cracks and bangs as fireworks go off. Unfortunately this year, we are all likely to be limited to the back garden with a few sparklers … but that shouldn’t stop us enjoying a warming glass or two of red wine afterwards …. Here are three to consider:

Château Caronne Ste.Gemme Haut-Médoc, 2015

This is a well-balanced Bordeaux red from the Left Bank. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, it has bramble, cooked fruit and blackberry aromas on the nose, with a hint of vanilla, toast and spice. There are pronounced stewed fruit flavours on the palate, together with a hint of earthiness, and this is a medium bodied wine with medium alcohol and high tannins. It is a very good wine, and just the ticket on a chilly autumn night. Majestic Wine £16.99 (£14.99 Mix Six)

Two Hands ‘Angels’ Share’ Shiraz, Australia 2019

This is a very good full-bodied wine from McLaren Vale with high alcohol, medium tannins and a nice long finish. Pronounced blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry aromas on the nose, with hints of white pepper and chocolate, and a rich black fruitiness intermingled with a light spiciness on the palate. A well-balanced wine which will go well with a beef casserole or other substantial dish. Majestic Wine £21.99 (£17.99 Mix Six)

Casillero de Diablo Reserva 2017, Central Valley, Chile

A straightforward Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon from the warm Central Valley region. Notes of blackberry, red cherry, bell pepper and cloves on the nose, with quite intense fruit flavours of blackcurrant and plum on the palate. A dry wine with high acidity and medium tannins, it has medium alcohol and a medium finish. Not a complex wine, but perfectly fine for mid-week, with or without the fireworks! Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, around £8.

Three Red Wines from Bordeaux – Left Bank

Château Argenteyre 2014

This Médoc blend has an unusually high level of Petit Verdot in the mix which probably explains its spiciness and the richness of the black fruit flavours ranging from plum and blueberry to black cherry and cassis. Although there are signs of developing age in the wine with its overtones of leather, forest floor and oak, its generous fruit flavours dominate. Deep ruby in colour, it’s a well-structured wine with high tannin and high acidity, and a medium finish. It needs something a little salty to soften the tannins slightly – goes well with cheese/charcuterie, or perhaps a lamb casserole. Good value for money.

Château Pierbone 2010 Haut Médoc

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a smooth, rich wine with a long finish. The wine is deep ruby in colour, with flavours of blackcurrants, plums and figs, and some leather and earthy overtones. A medium-bodied, fruity wine with medium tannins, it is very food-friendly and pairs very well with red meats or a rich vegetable casserole. A very good wine from a very good vintage.

Château Tour de Laroze 2012 Margaux

A complex and robust wine with dried/ stewed fruit flavours of raisin and prune together with earthy, forest floor overtones indicating the wine has evolved and developed. Full-bodied, with medium acidity and medium tannins, this is a smooth, well-balanced wine with a long finish. A real treat, a wine to savour and enjoy with roast lamb or a selection of cheeses.

For Right Bank wines see this post

Three Red Wines from Bordeaux – Right Bank

Château Saint Paulin 2018

This is a light and smooth Bordeaux red wine from one of the lesser-known châteaux of the Right Bank. Predominantly a Merlot blend, it has distinctive flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, with spicy overtones and medium tannins. It’s a fruity, straightforward wine that goes well with cheese or cold meats, roast beef, and meaty casseroles. It’s very good value.

Château Franc Baudron 2014 Montagne St Emilion

2014 was generally a very good vintage in Bordeaux and this is a good example of a pleasing wine with bright, ripe fruit, good colour and a smooth, lingering finish. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and plum, with overtones of smoke and mushroom, and on the palate, additional flavours of liquorice and spice. This is a wine with body and complex flavours and would pair perfectly with roast duck or lamb.

Château La Chapelle Despagnet 2015 St. Emilion Grand Cru

2015 was another good vintage for Bordeaux wines and this is a little gem. A full-bodied wine with medium tannins and flavours of ripe plums, blackberry and blueberry with overtones of leather, spice, vanilla and cloves. A very good finish and a fine example of Saint Emilion at its best. This a wine crying out for a nice piece of beef or lamb to go with it. A lovely treat at a very reasonable price for a wine of this quality.

For Left Bank wines see this post