One of the main reasons many people gravitate to the New World when buying wine is because its more common for a wine label of BC, Australia or California to list the grape(s) the wine is made from. In the Old World (Spain, Italy, France, etc.) its tradition for a label to express the bottles provenance, assuming the consumer knows what wine the region is known for.
When you learn about wine in an academic setting, youll almost always start with France, since its given the world much of the template of the grapes we commonly grow and the blends that work best. When France is covered Burgundys Pinot Noirs, the Syrahs of the Northern Rhône and the Chardonnays of Chablis its Bordeaux thats discussed first. After all, its the place of legend where youll find some of the worlds best reds.
A red wine from Bordeaux is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (but not necessarily in that order,) and its not uncommon for there to be a splash or two of Malbec or Petit Verdot. The sub-region (or appellation) listed on the label is an important component that offers not only geographical information, but a further indication of the wines style, such as the areas typical blend and other characteristics that come with soil type, the direction vineyards face, and so on.
A couple of years ago, Barb Philip, the European Portfolio Manager from BC Liquor Stores, went on what must be the best shopping trip ever. After the excellent 2009 vintage, her tasting excursion involved pre-purchasing wines that went on to age in Châteaux cellars, and will finally be on store shelves as of Saturday, September 29.
Take heed the only store that will carry the complete range of 2009s is the flagship 39th and Cambie location. This is arguably the biggest day of the year wine-wise, and what follows are my recommendations of accessibly-priced bottles that are guaranteed to be gone within days.
If you want a recommendation of one thats not accessibly priced, feel free to drop $1,800 on Château Margaux, far and away the best wine Ive tasted in months.
These, however, are wines that are not only killer values from a great vintage, but are good examples of their respective appellations. Theyre all ready to drink now but will also improve with a few years of age.
Château Plince | Pomerol | $39 | +150775
Merlot-dominated brilliance offering round, fruity character with dark plum, cherry liqueur and crushed flowers.
Château Belle-Vue | Haut-Médoc | $35 | +891390
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, but 20 per cent Petit Verdot in the mix brings blackberry, violets and nice concentration.
Château Marquis de Terme | Margaux | $58 | +120436
A well-rounded swirl of dark chocolate and vanilla bean with currants and a good handful of dusty tannins.
Château Fombrauge | St. Emilion | $55 | +11759
The Merlot in this one probably offers the most generous, lush red fruit of all of these, but the gravelly soils limestone and clay keeps the fruit buoyant and bright.
For more information on the 2009 Bordeaux release including in-store tastings, hit up BCLiquorStores.com.
You can always find me over at KurtisKolt.com or follow me on Twitter @KurtisKolt.
