The Bordeaux Blend: Appellation, Derivation, Extrapolation

Notes from the organizer:

Toujours Bordeaux! There are a total of six different varietals that may legally be blended in the wines of Bordeaux, France. This "recipe" has been imitated throughout the world as the model for great red wine. In order to understand the character of these unique grapes, we will first be sampling each as a single varietal and then tasting a range of blends from around the world.

• 2007 Sempre Vive Petit Verdot 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Sweet, peppery nose. Somewhat soft palate.

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• 2005 Bodega Weinert Malbec 90 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo

  Outstanding nose with a nice barnyard profile. Average palate.

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• 2008 Clos Ouvert Carménère Lonco Milla 86 Points

  Chile, Maule Valley

  Very strong olive profile on the nose. Soso taste.

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• 2009 Ridge Merlot Estate 92 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  Gorgeous nose with spices and dark fruits. Vanilla. A little bit of heat. Very tasty!

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• 2005 York Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Slightly sweet nose at first. Some heat. Still tannic.

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• 2006 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Dark fruits. Soft palate.

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• 2008 Château Gruaud Larose 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  Wow, what an amazing nose with coffee, leather, cedar aromas. Beefy palate with cherries, coffee and some spices. Outstanding!

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• 2009 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri

  Good nose, but less than impressive palate. Soft, but still tannic. Feels young.

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• 2004 Jean León Cabernet Sauvignon Penedès Reserva 85 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Penedès

  Soft, maybe a little bit too soft.

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• 2007 Rustenberg John X Merriman 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  Nice nose. Some coffee. Fruity. A little bit sweet. Well integrated palate, but exceptional.

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• 2009 Te Mata Estate Cabernets / Merlot Awatea 89 Points

  New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

  Smooth. Plums, Cherries. Still tannic. Young.

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• 2006 Mount Veeder Winery Reserve 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Not very complex. Cherries, plums. Still a little tight.

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