Ch. Les Graves de Barrau 2000

[hotwine]

This is an ordinary ol' Bordeaux, nothing special, el cheapo, but of the 2000 vintage. 60% Merlot, 20% Cab. Sauv. and 20% Cab. Franc. Heavy sediment on the cork, nose of cassis and tobacco. Not much of any definition on the palate, so decanted for an hour. Still not much, but beginning to show the promise of the nose. Another hour, and it's opened up, with more cassis on the nose, joined by bootleather and a hint of funk, with bright fruit giving a silky mouthfeel, leading to about a 15-second finish. With smoked brisket, sauteed spuds, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, yellow squash & cucumbers. Alcohol is 12%. Only $9.99 per; glad I got a case, 'cause it won't last long at that price; but it needs patience, which I don't have a whole bunch of.