2003 Leo de la Gaffeliere

[hotwine]

This is a Grand Vin de Bordeaux from Ste Emilion and has "Merlot" at the top of the label to help out the English-speakers. Soft nose of fresh red fruit on the nose, soft and silky entry, tannins not in evidence, lingering finish to accompany a ground beef casserole. Merlot is dominant, but there also seems to be CS and Cab Franc present, as expected. Alc/vol is 12.5% and huge QPR at $10 per.

With its absence of noticeable oak influence even in its youth, it may not be a long-term ager; but given the price, who cares? Grab a box or three and drink up. Wishing I had some ribeyes from a yearling calf to do it justice.

[hotwine]

Price dropped to $8.49 today, with a full pallet of the stuff on hand.

[hotwine]

Whew! Tannins now very evident. As a sipper with a Ghirardelli square after church dinner last night.... still a nice nose, but enamel-scraping on the palate. Will sample again in six months or so and decide to keep or toss.