French Wine for $25!
Yes, it is well worth it. The 2016 Chateau Malescasse is comprised of 53% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. It will pair nicely with roast lamb or steak. A great option when you think about a nicely seared T-Bone on the grill.
French wine is glorious. That goes without saying as they have a history and a reputation that is held up by the wine laws that govern the wine practices in France. You have undoubtedly heard the terms “Old World” and “New World.” The French set the mark and established the practices that set-in motion the “Old World,” a term that typifies and places emphasis on the terroir, less alcohol, greater acidity and more earthy flavors with less intervention by the winemaker.
This bottle of wine hails from the Haut-Medoc. This Chateau is located in the Bordeaux AOC within the Medoc. The Medoc itself is comprised of Medoc and the Haut-Medoc (which means Upper). Why then if this is a French wine, is it so well priced? First off, this wine is classified as Cru Bourgeois. This is a category of wine that is down from the classified first growths of Bordeaux. This classification can offer some of the best values from Bordeaux. This wine is one of them to consider to try for yourself.
Here is what some of the wine critics have to say about this bottle of wine:
Decanter: 90
Well controlled, juicy damson and cassis fruits show good quality. There’s a touch of rusticity on the tannins, but lots to enjoy overall. Drinking window – 2022-2030
Wine Spectator: 91
Solidly built, showing tobacco and charcoal notes mixed with dark currant and blackberry compote flavors. There’s good energy here and the fruit and earth details meld well through the finish. Has a little grip for the mid-term cellaring too. Best from 2021 through 2030. 5,594 cases made.
James Suckling: 92
A touched of char-grilled character, next to bitter chocolate and full black fruit. This is big-boned Haut-Medoc that pack a serious punch on the front, but is quite silky and long at the finish. Drink or hold.
So now the question is, where do I find this great bargain of wine? It may be available in your local wine store or the nearby big box store. The easiest way is to go on line and order it through K&L Wine Merchants or through wine-searcher.com. Please know that the two caveats for ordering on line are the temperatures during delivery transit (depending on distance) and the need to sign for the delivery. A business is preferred for wine deliveries or you will have to stay home to wait for your wine. (Wait, that is not a bad idea in today’s environment!) In any case, you will have an opportunity to drink French wine that is well crafted for a very attractive price!
Enjoy!
