The Paradox of Bordeaux

With Autumn upon us it's time to start thinking about Bordeaux once again. Today we have two special offerings from the spectacular 2010 vintage. However,

we need to be very upfront first.

Bordeaux can be a tricky subject, even for seasoned wine merchants. We once attended a Bordeaux wine seminar spanning over two weekends with Bill Nesto, who is one of only two Master of Wine awardees residing in New England. We evaluated over 50 wines at price points ranging from $20-$200/bottle during these two weekends and not one wine was deemed to be worth its price, much less drinkable. This should tell you a little something about the paradox of Bordeaux.

The first challenge is there is an ocean of Bordeaux wines from which to choose. Everyone and their cousin Harry makes one. This is one region where you need to be very mindful of vintage variations as well as the quality of individual producers. Prices vary wildly depending upon the appellation and the reputation of the vintage and it's not unusual to see price gouging based upon these factors.

So when we tell you we've found two honest, delicious Bordeaux which we personally endorse you may want to consider them for your autumn table.

Chateau Tour Pibran Pauillac 2010

"A major sleeper of the vintage, this under-the-radar Pauillac from the owners of Pichon Longueville Baron comes from a 42-acre vineyard, and the blend is divided equally between two grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Classic smoky barbecue notes intermixed with cassis, forest floor and cedar jump from the glass of this dense purple, thick, unctuously textured, rich and heady wine, which can be drunk in 3-4 years. Moreover, it should last for up to two decades." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 90 points

"Great black currant flavors, with lovely fresh acidity, a lot of spice from new wood. There is lovely acidity here as well, a stylish wine." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 93 points

"Ripe and well-packed, but silky and racy too, with linzer torte, cassis and blackberry notes pumping along, flecked with singed anise and violet, showing a long graphite spine on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2030." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 92 points

"Vibrant aromas of black cherry, licorice, minerals, cigar box and cedary oak. Juicy and fine-grained, showing unusual clarity and class for this Pauillac. A lovely balance of sweetness and acidity gives this wine plenty of early personality. Finishes with suave, building tannins and very good energy. Less austere than usual for this bottling, but this has the balance and guts for 10 to 15 years of development in bottle." (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous)

Vinous: 90 points

The Wine Advocate gave the Pauillac region an overall score of 98 points in 2010 which means this vintage is living up to the spectacular reputation of the esteemed 2009 vintage. If you're a serious collector of red wine, you should definitely consider this offering.

Chateau d'Agassac Haut Medoc Bordeaux 2010

"A superb wine from the Southern Medoc, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc is a real sleeper of the vintage. Floral notes intermixed with forest floor, black currant and some subtle smoke and truffle are all present in this seriously endowed, full-bodied wine that is performing beautifully. Located not that far from the classified growth La Lagune, D'Agassac has hit pay dirt with this beauty." (Robert Parker, Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 88 points

"The vineyards of the beautiful medieval chateau of d'Agassac have produced a firmly structured, fruity, black-currant-flavored wine. It's fragrant and packed with acidity, boasting tannins that suggest aging over many years." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

"Sappy and energetic, with licorice snap, plum pâte de fruit and dark cassis notes coursing along, all fueled by a graphite spine that drives the focused finish. Drink now through 2017. 20,000 cases made." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 90 points

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Autumn Hours Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday: 10 to 6 p.m. . We're open year round. Closed only on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.