Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Red Bordeaux Blend

Solicantus 2018. This wine is made by Namratha Prasanth, a strong Indian woman with a very touching life story (check www.solicantus.fr). From the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux region. A blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, aged 18 months in French oak. Brilliant deep red with purplish rim. Gorgeous nose with raspberry, black cherry, flowers, cedar and the most subtle hint of vanilla. In the mouth it is very elegant with layers of red and black fruit, fresh acidity, silky tannin and perfectly integrated oak. The high alcohol (abv 14,5%) goes unnoticed. Impressive length too. This is a spectacular effort from a new kid on the block that tastes more like a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé than a Blaye. Well worth the 20 euros price tag. Try to find a rare bottle (4000 bottles, there will be more from the 2019 vintage). Very impressive.

Very tasty,deep, slightly spicy Bordeaux. I really enjoyed this. Had it with some beef stew for a Sunday treat and it paired perfectly.