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Great Bordeux Value: 2003 Puygeuraud
By perryd | December 13, 2007
With the euro growing stronger with every passing day against the dollar it’s becoming more and more difficult to find French wine at reasonable prices. Chateaux that used to run in the $20 per bottle range are now selling in the $40 range. The outstanding 2000 vintage, with its concomitant leap in prices, didn’t help matters, either, especially since the past five years have seen a string of great seasons in Bordeaux.
I love finding bargains. A bargain to me is a wine that I love the sells for $10 to $15 per bottle…wine that I won’t hesitate to open for an evening meal.
The 2003 Puygeuraud Cote de Castillon fits the bill. It’s a right-bank blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Franc (25%) with the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The Merlot gives a silky smoothness that we expect from this side of the river, but the Franc brings its frank fruit to the table. If you’ve had straight Cabernet Franc you know that it is intensely fruity but with a very ripe, almost overripe, flavor, an earthiness. The ‘03 Puygeuraud balances that overripeness with the the Merlot to create a dark flavor with a hint of raisin and spice and a finish that reminds me of a sherry or port. I think another year or two in the bottle will make this an outstanding wine rather than just a very good wine.
The best news is that the 2003 Puygeuraud can be bought for around $12, a great value indeed. Here’s a search for Puygeuraud at Wine Commune.
Topics: Wine |