WTN Easter Bordeaux

In these recession hit times I've taken to only opening the good stuff when we have guests. That's partly why I'm posting far fewer WTN's than I used to. But over Easter we had guests, one of whom is a self-confessed Francophile, so I broke out some Bordeaux.

Château du Breuil 2003 Haut-Medoc

The initial smell and taste of this wine was very typical Bordeaux blackcurrant-and-bramble-wood but after it'd got some air it developed some rather curious and unexpected extra flavours. A rather strong note of violet, for instance, as well as a definite sweetness in the form of some chocolate and honeycomb. It was marginally over-tannic and would probably have benefited from being paired with a meal, but was certainly an interesting wine to drink and discuss. 4/5

As an aside, I realised after we'd drunk the bottle that I've had some lovely Calvados from a Chateau of the same name. I have no idea if it's actually the same place or not!

Chateau Orisse du Casse 2001 Saint Emilion Grand Cru

This is very much as you'd expect from the region but clearly lovingly made and with great skill. Blackcurrant fruit is tightly integrated with some well-balanced oak flavours, a little sweet spice being particularly evident. That classic platform is ably supported by a little smoke, a little coffee and, unfortunately, a gamey aftertaste, something I never like to find in a wine. It's well balanced but lacks a little depth and richness. 4/5

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks for posting Matt.

And don't shrink at posting on less than "the good stuff." We're all trying to economize these days, so value wine notes are very useful.

Oh and one technical point - if you could use WTN: to preface your notes that would be great. [WTN] won't archive the same way. Thanks.

... and indeed this month's wine focus is on finding value in wines!

And don't shrink at posting on less than "the good stuff." We're all trying to economize these days, so value wine notes are very useful.

Yes, indeed. I do try to put up tasting notes from any good value wines that I thought were particularly interesting or high quality. But I always make a point of writing a note for the more expensive bottles. The way I see it if I pay an average price for an average wine then it's no great loss - but if I've paid more for what turns out to be an average wine I like to ensure other potential purchasers are forewarned.

Oh and one technical point - if you could use WTN: to preface your notes that would be great. [WTN] won't archive the same way. Thanks.

No problem.

As an aside, I realised after we'd drunk the bottle that I've had some lovely Calvados from a Chateau of the same name. I have no idea if it's actually the same place or not!

No, the Calvados comes from a Château de Breuil in Normandy located in the lovely Pays d'Auge between Lisieux and Pont l'Evêque (also famous for a cheese of the same name which would be a disastrous match with claret).

It is roughly 600km from Médoc.