Wine of the Week!

Ch. LA BERNADOTTE, Haut Medoc, 2004

A blend of over half Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance made mostly of Merlot with some Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all grown in vineyards straddling the western border of Pauillac with the Haut Medoc appellation. Fermented using pump-overs and aged in all French oak barrels (25% new). The used barrels come from Ch. Pichon Lalande. Deep-dark-red-purple in color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with balanced acidity and moderately chewy phenolics. Nicely developed juicy black and some red fruit with gravelly-stony-dusty terroir and accents of tobacco, spice, black pepper, and pencil shavings. Lots of bottle bouquet. Long finish. Bear’s Note: Same owner and wine making team as Ch. Pichon Lalande (Pauillac 2nd growth in the classification of 1855). As usual, this tastes more Pauillac than Haut Medoc. Quite satisfying. Still has some development in front of it but is drinking beautifully. Spec's Score: 90+VHR. Tech: 13% Alcohol.