WTN: under $20 Pomerol

Last night I grilled chicken breast that had marinated in a sweet soy sauce/garlic/oil mixture, served with broccolini and the 2006 Ch. de Sales (Pomerol). Medium bodied, red plum fruit, some fine tannins, good acidity for a Right Banker. Some earth and coffee, pleasant wine, not bad for $19. Enough structure a few years might do some good. Not a great match with meal, but I tried. B

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

[James Roscoe]

Where did you get this? That is a great buy. My local store had the 2006 for $29.99. I thought that was worth the price. I agree with the note. I tasted it today at the store. Do I detect some cab franc in this blend?

Where did you get this? That is a great buy. My local store had the 2006 for $29.99. I thought that was worth the price. I agree with the note. I tasted it today at the store. Do I detect some cab franc in this blend?

Agree with James. We have enjoyed many aged out de Sales in the past (this one wasn't); but have never paid less than $25 for it.

I got from Wine Connection (Max Marinucci (sp?)) in Pound Ridge NY. They have more ($18.75). Also have the 2007 (described as softer/more approachable) at under $15.
http://www.wineconn.com

Regarding the Cab Franc, yes. At least in earlier vintages it was almost 50-50 Merlot and Cab Franc.

I'm surprised by that, this seemed fairly Merlot-y to me. I'm sure there's some, but 50% would surprise/shock me

Apparently planted 70 Merlot/15 CS/15 CF. Pretty standard Pomerol %s. Of course, actual cepage can vary year to year, but not too much with those %s. I don't think de Sales has a second, and they put out a lot of wine, doubt they sell off much.

I didn't get any of the 2007, but maybe I should, I really don't remember last time I paid under $15 for a Pomerol, even a light/early drinker.