Vignobles Bessineau
Château Côte Montpezat
Cuvee Compostelle
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Côtes de Castillon
Castillon, Bordeaux, France
2000
13%
$18.99 -- Wine Library, Springfield, NJ
Color: Rich dark garnet
Nose: Cassis, cherry, espresso, mint, mustard
Body: Medium
Front: Cassis, mint
Middle: Roasted bell pepper, chocolate
Back: Thyme, graphitic tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
The nose on this wine is fantastic. Leave it open at least an hour before you drink it. The structure of this wine isn't particularly clear, but the flavors and the aroma are superb. It's a good bargain, too, with a lot of fascinating things going on (mustard and mint?!) that keep it interesting as the wine opens up.
I paired this with a chicken, chorizo, and red bell pepper thing to which I have kind of become addicted. It's a freezing night (ok, 42) and something stewed was called for, along with some toasted bread and interesting wine. And tonight I raise a glass to my friend Jace Everett, who's among the musicians on the soundtrack to HBO's hit show True Blood -- a soundtrack just nominated for a Grammy.
