Grab Bag of Bordeaux Reds

I review a lot of California Bordeaux variety wines for the wine blog Terroirist, but this week I’m going back to the source. 

These aren’t the sought-after big growths that demand massive prices, but these wines could make up quite a good bargain-hunting list (relatively speaking).

The wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted. 

2010 Château de Sours Blanc “La Source” - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée

SRP: $35

A clear lemon color. Interesting mix of rich fruit (guava, pineapple) and tangy citrus (lime, lemon zest), a hint of mineral and green onion. Tangy on the palate, with a crisp citrus profile. Some guava, honey and nutty notes add richness, but the mineral and saline tones keep it balanced. Lovely freshness to this wine. A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. (87 points)

2011 Château Moulin Riche - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

SRP: $56

Dark ruby colored. On the nose, blackberries and black currants abound, mixing in with some cedar, incense sticks, dried violets and roasted coffee. On the palate, this is plummy and dark berry-driven with dusty tannins and medium acid. Lots of roasted coffee, pencil lead, cedar and loamy soil. Some violets, tobacco and crushed granite as well with a long, pretty finish. Needs time to unwind for sure, but a very solid blend of 71% Cab and 29% Merlot. (90 points)

2004 Château Canon - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Canon-Fronsac

SRP: $25

Medium garnet colored, a bit of bricking at the edges. Smells of red currants covered with sun-dried tomatoes, roses, rhubarb and pickles. Fresh acid on the palate, the tannins are quite strong. Tart currants and cherries meet earth, dust, tobacco and rich soil. Underling notes of iron and mineral. A hint of sweet herbal spice on the finish. A lot of stories to tell now, but still holding up and could age more. 100% Merlot. (89 points)

2009 Château de Malengin - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Montagne-St. Émilion

SRP: $20

Vibrant ruby color. Soft, juicy black cherries and wild blackberries on the nose, also some bay leaf, tobacco and pepper undertones, woven together quite well. On the palate, dusty tannins, some freshness from the acid. Juicy red berry fruit leads to notes of sweet red flowers, some cedar, notes of black pepper and mushroom, a hint of spearmint? Juicy, fresh, probably one to drink over the next three or four years. For $20, a solid wine for sure. (88 points)

2011 Château Royaumont - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

SRP: $45

Bold nose of plum cake, currant jam, cedar, smoke and some dusty, earthy notes. On the palate, fleshy plums and tart currants on a firm tannic frame, a balancing act with the fresh acid. The loam and graphite elements are pronounced, and I get touches of bell pepper, bay leaf and dusty earth. Pleasant young, but this is one for the cellar and I’d like to try it in another three to five years. 70% Merlot, 30% Cab Franc. (88 points)

2011 Château La Pointe - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

SRP: $33

Nose shows vibrant berries, red currants, violets, loam and some tobacco. Silky on the palate with tart red and black currants all over the place and fine but firm tannins. Notes of roses, coffee and graphite add complexity. A bright personality, fresh and inviting, but could develop and settle in the cellar. (87 points)

This piece was first published on the daily wine blog Terroirist.