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Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Red Bordeaux 2003

A friend once gifted me a bottle of 1989 Haut-Brion and I must admit it was over my head, aristocratic, too complex for words, and at up to $1000/bottle I certainly couldn't have afforded it. Very recently, another friend gifted me this lovely bottle related to Haut-Brion, and this one really fits.

Prince Robert of Luxembourg has gone modern while paying due homage to his great-grandfather Clarence Dillon by introducing his line of negociant Bordeaux wines. The name Clarendelle derives from the name Clarence Dillon and the term Claret, with a nod to the femininity of its native France.

Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Red Bordeaux 2003 is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Excellent value ($20). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 13%.

Style: Complex, new and old worldly, lightly floral, and elegantly fruity.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep ruby with a purple edge, translucent. Aromas: Intense black cherry, black currant and berry, vanilla, floral notes and hints of cedar. Medium-bodied and well-structured with low to moderate acidity, the red to black fruit, cocoa and cedary notes finish with gravelly minerality.

Comment: Prince Robert is spot on with this consumer-friendly Bordeaux. Pair it with a rich pasta dish.

Château Anglade-Bellevue Premières Côtes De Blaye Red Bordeaux 2000

Right bank, left bank; how do you find a good red Bordeaux that won't break the bank?  Trust the taste buds of a professional like Matt Francke at San Diego Wine Company who picked this Côtes De Blaye from a river of labels. Go with a good vintage like the superb 2000 if you can find it.

The Côtes De Blaye area became an official controlled appellation area (AOC) 70 years ago, then was modified 12 years ago, so it is a relatively new AOC.  The area is situated around Anglade and Générac is on the right bank of the Gironde River, north of those more familiar areas Pomerol and St-Émilion.  More importantly the prices for wines from here are very modest in comparison to those familiar areas to the south.

Merlot is the chief grape in Côtes De Blaye (the first coasts of Blaye) just like in the swankier neighborhoods to the south.  The climate is perhaps a bit less taken to hot spells being further north and closer to the sea. Overly jammy wines are not born here. You might even think Anglade Merlot tastes like Cabernet as it leans to the black side as opposed to the red and it is not as soft as a lot of Merlot.

Château Anglade-Bellevue is a family business, begun in 1953 by Michel Mège and his wife. For years Mège sold his fruit exclusively, but his sons Alain and Bruno had different ideas, wishing to make their own wine from the family vineyards. In 1993 they began putting out their own label using modern methods coupled with tradition. They mechanically harvest about 75 acres of vines in Anglade, 85% Merlot, from their vineyards overlooking the Gironde.

Château Anglade-Bellevue Côtes De Blaye Red is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in stainless steel. The best lots were aged in oak barrels for 12 months.  Further aging took place in large neutral vats and then in the bottle. Typically only a small fraction of the lots make the cut and eventually wear the Anglade-Bellevue label for export to the USA.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep ruby with purple bubbles at the edge, semi-opaque.  Aromas: Blackcurrant/black cherry, violets, mocha, cedar and fennel seed. On the tongue, the body is medium, nicely tart with moderate fine textured earthy tannins. The palate is elegant with cassis liqueur, supported by toffee, neutral oak spice, roasted red pepper and dusty earth flavors, and a finish that begs for food.

Outstanding value ($10).   Closure: Real cork.   Alcohol content: 12.5%.

Food pairing ideas: Cheese plate, Freshly prepared beef vegetable soup.

Chateau du Beau Vallon Saint-Emilion 2000

Imported by The House of Burgundy, this is right-bank Bordeaux, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

Right Bank Bordeaux typically contain more Merlot. The color is a semi-opaque cranberry, and the aromas are dominated by cherry and raspberry (light for a Bordeaux, but very nice), plus a touch of oak. The palate is soft yet vibrant (mature), with smooth tannins and a finish that's ready to drink. The closure is a genuine cork. The $19 price (Nashville) is reasonable for an Estate Bottled 2000 Saint-Emilion. Buying red Bordeaux is tricky, but if you're looking for a good one to drink now, one that California-only-red-drinkers will also like, try this one.

Chateau Malbat Bordeaux Red 2003

This red Bordeaux just arrived, imported by International Gourmet Corp. For a $10 red Bordeaux, this one could be a good house wine, if you like Bordeaux. It has a modest amount of fruit and tannins. It is simple for a Bordeaux, but drinks well now. The closure is a genuine cork. At $9.99 (Nashville), here is a decent red Bordeaux priced for the typical everyday budget. The Dollar vs. Euro situation has made French wine more expensive recently.