Varietal:Â 56% Merlot; 44% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Â Margaux, Bordeaux – France
Cost: Â $30 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Â The grapes are hand-picked; the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, to bring out the finest expression of the terroir. This gives Labastide Dauzac its characteristic charm and elegance, its complex aromas, blending ripe berry fruit with hints of chocolate and spice, and its opulence, structured palate and ripe, melting tannins.
My Review: Â I’ve been drinking a lot of French wines lately, thanks in not small part to my desire to expand my tasting experiences to a country that I have enjoyed, but until recently, not really invested the time into trying the different wines of. Fortunately, some wines from Bordeaux recently showed up at my doorstep and allowed me to do some exploring from the comfort of my home.
In the glass the wine was a dark red color and on the nose I quickly picked up notes of chocolate and ripe berry. In the mouth the wine was incredibly smooth, with flavors of chocolate, berry, and spice melding together seamlessly. Paired with a dinner that included an embarrassingly large steak, this wine was nothing short of excellent, both before, during, and after I had eaten.
My only complaint with the bottle of 2009 Labastide Dauzac was that there wasn’t more of it. I well and truly enjoyed this wine and would definitely keep it in mind when looking for a quality Bordeaux at a more than reasonable price. For $30 you’re getting a wine that, at the worst, drinks like a $30, and, at least in my opinion, drinks like a wine that you paid more for.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
