[wine] Bargain Brdx

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. -- ------------------------------ * 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 *