Recommendations
Wednesday, February 25, 2009; F05
Chateau de Francs 2005
** 1/2
Bordeaux-Cotes de Francs, Bordeaux, France, $18
(Good Value)
It's stylish, with a velvety texture and good tannin structure over full cherry and
blackberry flavor.
M. Touton: available in the District at MacArthur Beverages (as a direct import),
Pearson's; available in Maryland at Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis, Town
& Country in Easton; available in Virginia at Cecile's Wine Cellar in McLean,
Fern Street Gourmet in Alexandria.
Chateau Listran Cuvee Prestige 2005
** 1/2
Medoc, Bordeaux, France, $20
This wine features classic cabernet-Bordeaux aromas of roasted coffee, toffee, blackberry
and graphite (think pencil lead). It also offers rich texture and a long finish.
RNDC: available in the District at Ace Beverage, Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor,
Continental Wine & Liquor, Lee-Irving Liquor; on the list at La Chaumiere.
Chateau Chabiran 2005
**
Bordeaux Superieur, France, $14
(Good Value)
Low yields and densely planted vineyards give this wine tremendous concentration. It is
modern in style, with plum, cherry, cocoa and a hint of clove in the flavor mix and soft,
grippy tannins on the finish. Gorgeous.
Wine Traditions: available in the District at De Vinos, Whole Foods Market P Street; on
the list at Cashion's Eat Place. Available in Maryland at
Finewine.com in
Gaithersburg. Available in Virginia at Arrowine in Arlington, the Winery in Alexandria.
Chateau Le Doyenne 2005
**
Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, $20
A core of bright fruit gives nerve and energy to this wine, which shows textbook Bordeaux
flavors of blackberry, plum and graphite.
M. Touton: available in the District at Pearson's; available in Maryland at Bay Ridge
Wine & Spirits in Annapolis; available in Virginia at Arrowine in Arlington, Leesburg
Vintner in Leesburg.
Chateau Prignac 2005
**
Medoc, Bordeaux, France, $11
(Good Value)
Cabernet sauvignon gives this wine a blackberry-black cherry character, which is
accentuated by anise and a good balance and impressive finish.
M. Touton: available in the District at Ace Beverage, Burka's Wine & Liquor,
Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor, Modern Liquors, Pearson's; available in
Maryland at Silesia Liquors in Fort Washington, Beers & Cheers in Germantown, Old Farm
Liquors and Westridge Liquors in Frederick, Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis.
Lalande-Couturier 2005
**
Bordeaux, France, $18
This 100 percent merlot wine is from Jean-Luc Thunevin, the famed "garagiste"
producer of Chateau Valandraud. Modern in style, it is dense and dark but features
appealing bright fruit flavors and velvety texture throughout.
Simon N Cellars: available in the District at P&C Market, Potomac Wine & Spirits;
on the list at Bistro Francais, Cafe du Parc. In Virginia, on the list at Inox in Tysons
Corner.
Chateau de Castelnau Reserve 2005
* 1/2
Bordeaux, $13
This 100 percent merlot wine shows nice, ripe plum flavors with firm acidity and a
medium-long finish.
M. Touton: available in the District at Cairo Wine & Liquor, Watergate Wine and
Beverage; on the list at Peacock Cafe and Petits Plats. Available in Maryland at the Wine
Shoppe in Waldorf, Town & Country Wine Liquor Etc. in Easton. Available in Virginia at
Balducci's in Alexandria and McLean.
Chateau Sainte Colombe 2005
* 1/2
Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France, $15
The blend of 70 percent merlot and the rest cabernet franc is a bit rough around the
edges, with woodsy spice notes dominating its cherry and berry fruit. The texture is
velvety, and soft tannins restore harmony for a delicious finish.
Direct import of MacArthur Beverages; may be available elsewhere.
Chateau Tour de Pic 2005
*
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, $12
A hint of earthy mushrooms accentuates this wine's bright cherry flavors, lending
complexity and interest.
M. Touton: available in the District at Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor; available in
Virginia at Curious Grape in Shirlington and by the glass at Signature Theatre in
Shirlington.
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* Dr. James Ellingson, jellings(a)me.umn.edu *
* University of Minnesota, mobile : 651/645-0753 *
* Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *