Medium-plus ruby red in the glass. Almost-medium intensity appealing nose of deep black fruit, red cherry, and wood fire. Dry, medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. Medium body, nicely balanced Merlot and Cabernet: blackberry and plum, oak and a touch of coffee; 14% alcohol. Medium length. Overall good. A gift from my father; I believe this was about $30 at Kits Wine. See Môreson Family Winery.
Slightly cloudy, medium-plus ruby with a hint of purple, and a tawny rim. Clean, medium intensity plum and black cherry nose. Very dry, medium acidity and more tannins than I would have expected from a right bank Bordeaux. Light body. Nice balance of red and black fruits: cherries, a bit of plum, and berries; a bit of woodiness—not oak, more like the appealing dry boards of a well-loved home. Nicely balanced; good length. 12.5% alcohol. Recommended.
A gift from my father, who tells me this was about $30 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar.
Clear, medium intensity ruby with a hint of purple and a slight garnet rim. Clean, medium intensity nose of black fruits, pepper, and tasteful woodiness: oak and earthy cedar. Dry, medium acidity and low to medium tannins; medium body. In the mouth black cherry dominates, with a smokiness and hints of Merlot red fruits in the background. Not as complex as I would have hoped, but very nicely balanced. A medium-plus finish through which a pleasant spiciness surfaces. 12.5% alcohol. Overall very good; definitely recommended.
I splurged on this one; it’s New Year’s Eve. This is the most expensive bottle I’ve ever bought: $76 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. I had to try a Margaux after watching James Cluer’s video on Château Margaux. I’m not disappointed: though I can imagine better, the quality here is evident.
Clear, medium ruby with a garnet rim. Clean, medium nose of oak and cedar, peppers—both spice and vegetal—and black currant. Dry, medium acidity, and medium to pronounced tannins; light to medium body. More black cherry than currants in the mouth, with vanilla and perhaps white pepper; a hint of sweetness and oak, nicely balanced. Medium length. Overall good. 13% alcohol. $45 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. See Château Lynch-Moussas.
Clear, deep ruby with a slight garnet rim. Clean, medium intensity nose of earth, mint and oak. Dry, medium acidity with medium to high tannins; medium body. Nicely balanced black fruits, oak and cedar, and an underlying appealing earthiness. Medium length, with a high 14.5% alcohol, which doesn’t come through with as much heat as expected. This being one of the first Cabernets I’ve tasted seriously, I’m still feeling my way, but while not outstanding it is definitely an appealing wine and recommended. Not sure of the price as it was a gift from my father; he bought it at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. See Wynns Coonawara Estate.
