1996 Ch. Caronnes Ste Gemme

[hotwine]

This is a Cru Bourgeois from the Haut-Medoc. Dark ruby in the glass, a nose of chocolate and raspberries, showing soft calf's leather and a bit of cigar ash on the palate; moderate finish. Throwing a lot of sediment, so highly recommend decanting for an hour. Ready now but should hold for a few. With beef pot roast, baked spuds, baby peas and baby carrots boiled with a cup of water, two pats of butter and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. 12.5% alc/vol and $15 per. A nice go-to, cheapo Bordeaux. Suspect it would shine with escargot. I'll buy more at that price.
(Given the vintage, it could be a close-out; the price on release can be $35.)