WTN: The little Bordeaux that could

[Jenise]

2001 Le Pin Beausoleil, Bordeaux Superior
Opened for a Bordeaux 'N Burger night. First bottle ever from this producer so no idea what I'd find--I've owned a pair for about ten years but had not opened either until now. But what a wine! Youthful dark purple color and in fine shape visually, good Bdx nose of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco and even a little graphite. Fuller bodied and well balanced with only minimal secondary development. At or close to best potential but could hold here and improve. Wildly exceeds anything you'd expect if you read the lackluster CT reviews first (fortunately, I didn't or I might have skipped over it) and the $15 I paid for it .

It's always good to read when a modestly priced petit Bordeaux gives a lot of pleasure. One of my favourites was Domaine de Courteillac (c.€10), a good St.Emilion ringer, but I haven't found it round here. I guess that there are quite a lot like that out there but it takes luck and/or good advice to pick them out amongst a lot of dull ones or worse. For some reason there are very few wine merchants who make it part of their job to find them.

Sounds nice. I've generally been happy with 01s, especially RB. I'd assume this is either RB or Entre deux Mers. Nice when those inexpensive wines age well!

[Jenise]

Yes, right bank, it's from just outside St. Emilion. I've been happy with the 01's too--but some of the growths haven't done as well as this little nobody. I really need to get around to drinking more of my 01's.

Btw, just checked their website. This BS is their top wine. The estate is a XV century fortified chateau with lots of turrets that was once the home of "the Dukes of this region". Very picturesque.