The increasing price of Bordeaux in recent years, even through a string of so-so vintages between 1991 and 1994, has made it increasingly difficult for those of us who seek quality wines for reasonable prices to do much tasting in this category, and the arrival of a better vintage in 1995 only served to make the price issue worse. One of my favorites for this quest is the Cotes du Bourg, a region that lies just across the Gironde River from the Medoc, and a little way downstream from St.-Emilion. But it was still an interesting way to focus on the variations that locale and wine making variations can work on similar grapes. And when all was said and done, I think I liked the Cotes du Bourg best. Ripe cassis and anise aromas, closed at first, open up nicely with time in the glass.
Flavors follow the nose, full and bright, backed by lemony acidity and firm tannins.
Pan-grilled strip steaks. Very dark garnet in color. Neither Bordeaux-like nor Californian, if anything it evokes a decent Italian red. Balanced and flavorful, but I don't find much typical Cabernet character. Surprisingly well matched with an Egyptian style dish of chicken cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and chickpeas.