This little guy doesn’t have a guilty bone in his body. Neither should you. Here is this week’s $15 or less offering.
No-Guilt Wednesday (NGW) is not about compromising on quality. It’s all about drinking good wine that does not break the bank, eating good food and of course, it’s about sharing with the ones you love.
Today’s choice is a wine that I seek out simply because it has consistently delivered value from Bordeaux. Normally, varying vintages of this wine are available for anywhere from $18-$21. The current vintage of this was offered to me at $20+ per bottle. I was about to put in my order. But then I decided to check the internet and lo and behold, I was able to score a case of this at $14 prior to shipping. With shipping the cost per bottle rose to $16.70. But we don’t count shipping charges, do we?
The Beaulieu estate, which is owned by Guillaume de Tastes, comprises 25 acres of vineyards in the Entre-de-Mer. The use of new oak and green harvesting (to increase concentration and lower yields), are among the reasons to like this wine. In addition, the involvement of, well-known wine consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt in the process ups the ante further. Back in 2004, Derenoncourt, told Jancis Robinson that he wanted to
“…make wines to last… wines with a certain lightness but very good balance and very good extraction. There is a big difference between concentration and power… That’s why wine is so great. It’s not just a drink but after time it becomes an expression of place and vintage and no longer, for instance, a Derenoncourt wine.” Derenoncourt – the new Michel Rolland? 7 May 2004
I found this quote somewhat amusing given that I discovered it after I wrote the review that follows:
Beaulieu Comte de Tastes 2009 ($14). Sensual aromas rose from my glass. All soft, dark fruit and chocolate on the palate, this opened with an almost fennel-cherry pie character on the nose. With a healthy concentration, this producer delivers another nicely balanced Bordeaux at a reasonable price again. Given the softness of the tannins, this is drinkable now, yes, but so much better for the bottles that I can marshal the patience to wait 3-5+ years. A Bordeaux Superieur comprised of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Rated **1/2
sybaritesauvage 
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