03/15/2025
Our tetralogy (one more than a trilogy) of Chianti Classicos was a lot of fun, so we’re going to do the same with Bordeaux. We’ll also be tasting a fine new California Cabernet. Come join us anytime Saturday that works for you.
Château Côte de Baleau, St.-Emilion, Grand Cru Classé, 2020 ($30.99) - Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown): 89 “The 2020 Côte de Baleau is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 15th to 30th September and weighing in with an alcohol of 14.2%. It was aged for 16-18 months in 20% new oak barrels, 60% second-fill barrels, and 20% in vats. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to coax out youthful notions of crushed blackberries, mulberries, and kirsch plus hints of tar and dried Mediterranean herbs. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with crunchy red and black fruits with a chewy texture and a lively backbone lifting the finish. Drink 2023-2032”
Original Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2021 ($26.99) - When it comes to California Cabs, flashy Napa Valley has the reputation and high prices. Paso Robles offers value in a warmer climate, less refined style. Often overlooked is Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, which lies just over the Mayacamas Mountains from Napa and can offer high quality (this is the home of Silver Oak Cellars!), refinement, and reasonable prices. At the top end are very highly regarded Stuhlmuller, Aperture Cellars, Stonestreet, and The Setting. Better value comes from Alexander Valley Vineyards. We carry their Cab and Cab Franc. Original Wines is also a great value. It’s the creation of winemaker Molly Lippitt and industry veteran Richard Phoenix. Molly was mentored by celebrated winemakers such as Heidi Barrett, Philipe Melka, and Julien Fayard. She is now a wine consultant for Volker Eisele and others. Original Wines Cab comes from some top vineyards in the Alexander Valley Benchlands, at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. The wine is bold, yet elegant with earth-driven blackberries, plum skins, dark cocoa, leather, and cardamom. It has freshness, balance, and well-integrated, mostly used oak.