2005 Château Souvenir, Bordeaux ($10.99) For a decade this has been one of our best selling values from Bordeaux. Aromas of deep red fruits, licorice and a hint of menthol waft from this young beauty. The palate is deep and fruity showing sweet blackberry, cherry and vanilla bean. There is no obvious oak influence to obscure the fresh finish, which shows subtle spice and a mouth-watering smack of tartness. Delicious!
2005 Mylord, Bordeaux ($10.99 750ml, $20.99 1.5L) This unbelievable bargain seems to get better every time we re-taste it. This is so thick and rich there is an almost cherry syrup character in the mid-palate of this sweet, round bargain. Robert Parker calls this stunning value a “sleeper of the vintage.” It must be tasted to be believed.
2004 Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc ($16.99) This over-achieving property has turned out another winner from the excellent and well-priced 2004 vintage. Complex aromas of earth, mint, black cherry and darker fruit jump from this wine. The elegant body is alive with red currant and licorice notes and a very fresh and palate-cleansing finish. A complex, classic bargain.
2003 Château Franc La Rose, St-Emilion ($22.99) This seductive value reminds us of what we all loved so much about the warm, sunny 2003 Bordeaux vintage. This is very dark, deep and ripe with some flashy oak shadings on the nose. Full, round and rich, this has tons of black fruit flavors that are plush and broad across the opulent palate. The finish here is sweet and long with just enough ripe tannins to hold everything together. Just beautiful!
2003 Clos de la Vieille Eglise, Pomerol ($49.99) This dark-purple wine has compelling aromas of flowers, spice, sweet herbs and toast. Spicy black currants, mineral and roasted herb flavors blend seamlessly in this concentrated, structured classic. This sweet, balanced, complex and elegant beauty has all the hallmarks of being able to age effortlessly but is great for dinner tonight with decanting. —Steve Bearden