St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend

Rainy day and yahtzee action! Barnyard and forest floor abounds!

Felt like a Bordeaux tonight and I just recently picked this 1999 Chateau Hortevie for $22.99. On the nose I am getting bark fruit, black cherries, stewed prunes, black currant and lots of earthy notes. On the palate I am getting black cherries and a vegetal thing happening. There is a smooth mouth feel but not very complex. There is a medium body and medium acidity. Though not complex it is very tasty.

Had the 2010. Wonderful and smooth

Smooth tannins, nice damp earth and fruit notes on the nose. Good value at $22.

Having held onto this for a while it did not disappoint. Classic French with Long finish after a soft fruitful start. Delightful.

Another smooth and full bodied Bordeaux with cousin Eric

Nice 2004, that was very pleasant to zip on but also worked well with a nice fillet steak on the bbq and lime inspired fresh summer salad... Still hang nicely in the back of your mouth..

Tannins are rocking out but the merlot is dancing with rest of the cab. More time but showing 2008 is underrated. Approachable but can go some time

Good earthy flavors, needed to open up a little

When you can't get your hands on grand cru classes, a nice second or third wine from the chateaux ain't so bad. This needed to open but when it did, every sip was supple, balanced with notes of dark fruit.