2000 Ch. Malescasse Haut-Medoc

[hotwine]

With oak-grilled T-bones, "South Beach" mashers and fresh GUMBO! (dang, that stuff is good!) This Cru Bourgeois will roll your socks down! Prominent Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and probably Cab Franc in the background, this youngster already has a "wow!" factor, with saddleleather, cedar and pipe tobacco on the nose and tongue-tip; enough sharp tannins to merit socking it away for at least five, I'd guess. Alcohol is 12.5% and all of $13.79 at Costco. I only bought two bottles, but I'm gonna run like hell over there tomorrow and buy 'em out! I see WS gives it a 90, and for once I agree.

Oh, yeah... the "South Beach" masher subs pureed cauliflower for spuds. Steam 'em, toss 'em in a food processor with a bit of half-'n-half and cheese, sprinkle a dash of black pepper, and presto! She says she'll add some roasted garlic next time, but they're very good, and actually taste like spuds. Go figure.

[This message has been edited by hotwine (edited 10-20-2003).]