foray into france

[Thomas]

If you have been drinking mainly California Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel you might find good Bordeaux too subtle. The main difference in style between the Old World and the New World is in subtlety (finesse) for the former and forward (attacking the palate) in the latter. This is a generalization, but in my expereince with people who drink mainly West Coast wine, it takes a while before they learn to expect nuance.

There are many European producers who emulate the West Coast and Australian style but then, you might as well stay with the American version--they taste relatively the same anyway.

I agree with the idea to start in southern France. Their wines usually are somewhere between the Old and New World styles. You can gradually move up (or is it back) to the Old World that way.

One of the joys of a great Bordeaux is its subtlety and elegance.