Warming Winter Reds Wine #5 - Chateau La Barotte Bordeaux Reserve

 
70% Merlot, 16.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13.5% Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux, France.

Sample submitted for review. Available for as low as $7.99. 5,000 cases, imported by Apollo Fine Spirits.

From the bottle:

"Chateau La Barotte has remained a family vineyard, where the heritage of the savoir-faire has been conveyed through three generations. Located in Saint Andre de Cubzac, the 20 year old vines benefit from an extraordinary terroir due to perfect sun exposure, soils of clayed and siliceous-chalky plateaus, and of course by Michel and Stephane Guerin's constant love and care for the vineyard and cellar.

Black color with crimson tints; Brimming with black fruit flavors: blackberry, black cherry as well as red fruits: blackcurrant, crushed strawberry and liquorice; Spicy and toasty, full-bodied with ripe and toasty tannins on the long finish.

Perfect with red meat, grilled meat and game. Also well suited for pasta, red sauces and cheese.

Temperature: 60-65F

12.5% Alcohol"

The 2011 Chateau La Barotte Bordeaux Reserve begins with a pleasant aroma of plum, licorice, blackberry, grape bubble gum and a bit of spice. Taking a sip reveals a very tasty wine full of juicy fruit (plum, blackberry and strawberry primarily) with lots of licorice and a bit of an earthy note. This medium to full-bodied Bordeaux also features good acidity which helps to ensure that it will be a very nice food wine. (I'd recommend pairing it with grilled meats, beef stew or even beef brisket.) It ends with a satisfying burst of spice on the long, mouth-drying finish. This is a very solid Bordeaux especially at well under $10!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.