Before my Bordeaux trip a few weeks ago, I had not drank any wine from the region in easily two years. It wasn’t anything personal as I’d not drank many Burgundies (my favorite) or even much age worthy California Cabernet (other than the stuff Ryan makes).
Part of this is strictly logistical (my 200 bottle cellar’s cooling unit died on me – curse you, Vinoteque) and economical – I no longer like to spend money on wines I’m not going to drink for ten + years.
100% of the wines I buy these days (as are most bought by consumers today) are meant to be drank immediately. As such, not only have age worthy wines fallen off my radar but I believe my palette has changed to favor more fruit forward and balanced wines – wines that can be enjoyed now or just a few years down the road.
So when I stuck my nose in that first glass of Cheval Blanc earlier this month I forgot how wonderful these wines smell, and when made well, taste.
As such my last trip to the Joe had me seeking out some Bordeaux’s and the first one I spied was J. Calvet’s 2006 Reserve De L’Estey. This wine from the Medoc is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Its nose was all chocolate and mint for me with hints of that oaky, smoky, earthy smell our olfactory glands have come to associate with wines from the region.
The wine was noticeably dry, with an absence of upfront fruit but after settling for about an hour the wine softened and was pleasantly drinkable. Nothing spectacular, but balanced and smooth.
$5.99
SINGLE
