Left Bank Bordeaux

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent of earth and leather – very nice. 82 hectares of vines are planted on gravel and sand. The mix of vines is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and the remaining is a combination of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Mis au chateau in Margaux 13% purchased for $75.99 at Beverages and more! Chateau Giscours

Chateau Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien 2007 Unfortunately the bottle tasted in May was corked.

The bottle purchased in July 2010 shows the true story – leather wrapped around black fruit. In the mouth it is quite approachable. Certainly the wine is chewy, yet the fruit really shines and there is a nice streak of acidity. Warm up the barbecue for a big steak and you’ll be fine.

The property is planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. 80-85% of the final blend is typically Cabernet Sauvignon and over one-third of the barriques are new. Mis en bouteille a Saint-Julien 13% purchased for $59.99 at Beverages and more! in May and K&L in July for $35.99