Some friends were coming to dinner last night and volunteered to bring the wine. I shuddered; they usually buy a 1.5 litre bottle of Yellowtail. I usually find an excuse to drink a decent house white (our house's white).
Much to my surprise, they brought some very drinkable stuff, notably a 2003 Ch. La Mouliniere. At 12% it was a balanced blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. I quote the tasting notes from the Wine Messenger:
Deep red color. Developed nose of cassis, raspberry and cherry. Very fruity on the mouth with fresh red fruit and earthy spice flavors leading to a nice, long finish. A very approachable and versatile wine thanks to the Merlot, but the smooth tannins give it staying power. Perfect with grilled meats, burgers, cheeses, and lamb. Can keep for another 2 to 3 years.
I'm not sure I got quite all that from it. There was that faintly vegetal quality that to me tastes "green," and it's the quality that caused me to spurn the Ornellaia of couple of weeks ago.
That being said, it was an excellent Bordeaux for the low low price of $7.99 at one New York shop. It shows just how much a hot year can help ripen and give body to a wine that might normally leave a thin, acidic finish.
The unsurprising thing was that our guests spent so little on a bottle.
gosh, do these cheapskates, um, i mean your friends, read mondosapore?
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | September 17, 2006 at 12:57 PM
You know, I am not the tactless wretch you seem to think I am.
No, they do not read this marvelous blog. If they did, they might be inspired to shop for better wine.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 17, 2006 at 01:02 PM
ah, tactless wretch that i am!
we ought to sit down sometime and taste a bunch of merlots.
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | September 17, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Hello Terry,
Glad you enjoyed it; I have just begun to venture into the reasonably priced Bordeaux Superieur wines myself. The price to palate ratio certainly has one satisfied customer in me. I will be moving about the left bank to various regions where I’m sure the price will increase, and so should the quality.
Wonderful site!
Dezel
Posted by: Dezel | September 17, 2006 at 09:10 PM
Thanks for stopping by, Dezel. I hope some will click on your site and start to get familiar with the wines of Virginia.
http://vinespot.blogspot.com/
BTW, are there any decent wineries around Richmond? I go there a few times a year to visit my daughter and there are remarkably few VA wines in the shops.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 17, 2006 at 09:41 PM
C'mon Terry, you mention this wine and Ornelaia in the same article? We need to go drinking!
Posted by: David | September 18, 2006 at 07:03 PM
BTW, last week, I had a homespun Amarone with Maiale all'olio in the hills of Brescia...
Posted by: David | September 18, 2006 at 07:06 PM
Touche', David.
As to the Amarone and flesh of swine, sounds fantastic and I envy you.
Are you back in the Great State of Texas now?
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 18, 2006 at 08:18 PM
Envy? Envy? Tonight we had a pasta with a magnificent sauce bolognese and the Angelini Brunello di Montalcino 2001.
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | September 18, 2006 at 10:27 PM
Stop it, Fredric, you're killing me.
Although this evening I'm off to a tasting of Albino Armani wines, which I am definitely looking forward to. Then out with a group of fiends (ha ha) to Barbone on the LES. Reports to come soon.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 19, 2006 at 06:48 AM
Yes, I returned Sunday afternoon. I went to the Sagra dell'uva in Trescore with my kids and followed with several visits into the province of Brescia. Most likely I will have to go back again shortly.
Posted by: David | September 19, 2006 at 02:25 PM
Hello Terry,
True story about the wine shops; with such little shelf space they usually stock what sells, and that is European and CA, but AUS and NZ are forever keeping the heat on with improving quality and unbelievable prices.
Here is a link to wineries that cover the Richmond area: http://www.virginiawineguide.com/tour15/
I have heard great things about all; Williamsburg and James River in particular I have heard very good things about. Woodland is a small family owned winery that a blogging pal of mines helps run.
If I make it out that way before you visit again I will be sure to take some photos and let you know what I think and what they offer.
The Fall foliage will be in full blossom soon, so it will be beautiful out that way.
Happy Sipping!
Dezel
Posted by: Dezel | September 19, 2006 at 09:25 PM
Dezel, thanks for the link and the info...will look forward to your reports!
David, stop by Trattoria Pegaso if you're returning to that area and say hi to Adriano Liloni for me. The food's great and so is Adriano.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 19, 2006 at 09:30 PM
Why invite people if you think they're cheap and then slag them off here? It's pretty bloody rude.
Posted by: faceless | September 20, 2006 at 05:17 AM
Yes. It is true. I am not entirely amiable.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | September 20, 2006 at 08:38 PM