1998 Chateau Roland La Garde Cuvee Tradition

[newsguy]

Premiers Cotes de Blaye ($9.99)

cabernet sauvignon is definitely the prominent fruit in this inexpensive bordeaux. its color is purplish red, with lightening at the rim. its nose is of ripe, warm fruit; taste is fruit forward. the scent was a bit reminiscent to me of the smell of the 97 beringer's founders estate, which i thought was a great bargain cab -- although the beringer was a darker, heavier wine. the tannins are totally subdued in this bordeaux, and this soft wine is ready to drink now.

the drawback is its short finish, but for a bordeaux at less than $10, it's only a minor complaint.

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 08-13-2001).]