The Grand Wines of Bordeaux

Monday, March 26th, 2012

A Tuesday evening filled with both older and newer vintage wines from some of the best producers in Bordeaux.  What’s not to like?  I certainly couldn’t think of anything.  General Manager of Meteor Vineyard and former Wine Director of Gary Danko, Jason Alexander led our class through a highly valuable (both in experience and the wines tasted) exploration of both the left and right bank of Bordeaux.

Jason went into depth about the many facets of the Bordeaux region including the varietals used, the wine classifications, and of course, the terroir.  Explaining the differences between the left and right bank as far as gravel soils vs. clay soils, different producers, and the types of blends being produced, it truly helped the class understand what certain things to expect when tasting these amazing and collectible wines from Bordeaux.

My favorite wines of the night?

1988 Château Gruaud Larose Grand Cru – Saint-Julien

An impressive wine with pungent and satisfying aromas of charcoaled zucchini, dried roses, black plum, and blackberry. A powerful combination of gripping tannin and juicy acidity, this wine presents the palate with notes of rotisserie meat, tar, black pepper and a smoky finish.

1995 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande– Pauillac
A perfect combination of grace and muscle, this wine expresses aromas of smoked meat, lavender, red plum & red cherry.  Tickling tannin and perpetuating acidity is well partnered with a palate of cough syrup, burnt wood, black pepper, and barbecued asparagus on the finish.

Thanks to Jason and Brian for an incredible Bordeaux class with an unbeatable wine list!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1.Château Lamothe Blanc 2009 – Haux

2.Château Monbousquet 1995 – Saint Émilion

3.Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1995 – Pauillac

4.Château Cos d’Estournel 1986 – SaintEstèphe

5. Château Haut Brion 1986 – Pessac-Léognan

6.Château Brane-Cantenac 2008 – Margaux

7. Château Hosanna 2008 – Pomerol

8. Château Climens 2003 – Barsac, Sauternes

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