Margaux Merlot Blend

Raw red and black fruit. Leather. Sweet fruit tannins.

Bloody, leather, still vibrant.

Paired with the Olive Oil Poached Rack of Lamb, White Bean Purée, Spring Vegetables. @PlateandBottle

Lascombes has, in some obscurity, been building back to its 2nd growth status. It doesn’t get the kudos it deserves yet but this 2005 is exceptional. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has a beautiful range of aroma and flavors: black cherry, coffee and vanilla notes, restrained violet and forest floor, it’s an elegant wine and still has its bright Ruby color. Surprisingly good.

Another Wednesday Wine Committee in the books. Great hosting by @Bill Makens . 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert wine all served blind.

Textbook. Everything about this screamed Bordeaux. Oiled leather wrapped currant, underripe blackberries, licorice and herbal spice aromatics. Less powerful than I expected on the palate, but nimble and clean. Mocha, charcoal, dark fruit and chewy tannins. I called this late ‘00s left bank Bordeaux.

Great Bordeaux for those who don't enjoy Bordeaux profusely.

Graphite, black cherry, red clay, smoke and spices.

Spicy, toasty, deep.

Time, oak is persistent

Drinking perfectly with grilled bone-in pork chop at Cafe La Haye in Sonoma .