WTN: Bad Boy 2005

Thunevin Bad Boy 2005

95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vineyards close to St. Emilion but still classified as AC Bordeaux; over 40yo vines. 14 months in new French oak. 14,5% abv; 5,2g/l acidity and costs, like everything in Finland, more that it does over in the US: 18,05€ (apparently it was about 15$).

I must admit that I don't tend to enjoy modern styled Bordeaux at all, but I am happy that this wasn't at all the most over-the-top example of the style. It is actually a bit difficult to explain why I don't enjoy the modern style, but this wine put my thoughts into slightly better focus. It isn't only the use of lots of new oak but rather it is a holistic issue: those producers who go for overt new oak flavours also seem to go for ripeness (and resulting alcohol) and extraction levels that I am uncomfortable with. I know many here will disagree with me, but I think the charm of Bordeaux is the slight greenness which is so refreshing and food friendly. The modern style seems prasinophobic to me, which is a shame. Each of these issues in itself might not be a problem to me, but when all come together in one wine, it does become a problem.

So, now with that aside completed, the actual wine? A roasted and vanillary scent, dark and inky, but with strawberry sweetness. Coupled with the creaminess of the oak, I did wonder at times if I had strawberry yoghurt in my glass. Extremely full bodied, creamy, alcoholic finish. I can see why many like this wine (it has been a huge hit in Finland), but it wasn't one for me.

When will the prasinophobia end?

-Otto

When will the prasinophobia end?

-Otto

Given generations raised on corn syrup and soft drinks, probably never

Another title that threw me off. Here I was thinking about the reminiscence of an earlier Otto

[Jenise]

Given generations raised on corn syrup and soft drinks, probably never

I was definitely one of those, but I outgrew it as you did. Wonder why some of us do, and some of us don't?

Anyway, great note, Otto. I'm sure I haven't seen the wine here, because I'd remember that cute label (even if it scared me off, since I follow the rule that cute label=bad wine).

Brian, I am not at all convinced of the idea of a "soda-pop palate". Despite my wine tasting going toward the thin, screechy acid end of the spectrum, I actually drink quite a bit of soda and I drink it almost daily (I seem to need sugar and bubbles after jogging).

Mark, I've always been a very good boy.

Jenise, in this case the label wasn't entirely indicative of the wine inside. I didn't like the wine, but I will admit that if one likes modern styled Bordeaux, this was a very decent drop for the price. It is simply the whole paradigm of "modern" that I seem to dislike.

Given generations raised on corn syrup and soft drinks, probably never

I was definitely one of those, but I outgrew it as you did. Wonder why some of us do, and some of us don't?

Anyway, great note, Otto. I'm sure I haven't seen the wine here, because I'd remember that cute label (even if it scared me off, since I follow the rule that cute label=bad wine).

You know...I think I did because if I want sweet things, there are cheaper...and better...ways of getting that fix. Wine provides other flavors and characteristics. If I want Welch's Grape Juice, it's a lot cheaper to buy Welch's at the supermarket-and said Welch's-to me, at least, tastes a lot better, frankly, than Bogle Zinfandel does.

Brian, I am not at all convinced of the idea of a "soda-pop palate". Despite my wine tasting going toward the thin, screechy acid end of the spectrum, I actually drink quite a bit of soda and I drink it almost daily (I seem to need sugar and bubbles after jogging).

True...but I wonder if the average European consumes anywhere near the level of processed foods and simple sugars-especially corn syrup...as we do in the United States. We do have that reputation-even Australians note that they add grape must to American-bound wines because "we" demand sweeter wines.

I don't know the answer to that, except maybe that the obesity statistics hint that there is something worse in the average American diet?

[Jenise]

Brian, I am not at all convinced of the idea of a "soda-pop palate". Despite my wine tasting going toward the thin, screechy acid end of the spectrum, I actually drink quite a bit of soda and I drink it almost daily (I seem to need sugar and bubbles after jogging).

I think that's proof that you're an anomaly. Yellow Tail's success in America is proof that Brian's right.