Sometimes a deal comes along that is so good I need to pass it along. Wally's Wine is having a vertical special on wines from Chateau Malescot St Exupery, one of the best from Margaux. The 2000 and 2004 are especially good deals.

Wine: 2002 Chateau Monbrison Bordeaux



Review: The great thing about the Margaux appelation is that I am always finding new treasures. This wine was rated one of the best wines under $50 and I agree. Laurent Vonderheyden has created an elegant wine, complex with hints of plum and a tobacco aroma. Not an intense wine, much more subtle with a medium palette

Price: $39

Grade: 90

Wine: 2003 Chateau Dufort-Vivens Bordeaux



Review: My Bordeaux consumption tends to drop off in the summer, and increase as the fall approaches. But sometimes I just crave a good Bordeaux, and this was a very good one. This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and contains 12.5% alcohol.

This is a smokey wine, with strong underpinnings of tobacco. It had strong aromas of cherry and blackberry. Age has mellowed the tannins it was a very drinkable wine. I've read it described as rustic and that is a good adjective.

Price: $28

Grade: 90

Wine: 2003 Pavillon Rouge Bordeaux



Review: This is one of those wines that I have been keeping stored waiting to try. Pavillon Rougue is the second growth of Chateau Margaux. Same vines, but slightly lesser quality grapes and a price which reflects the difference. The 2003 was supposed to be a stellar year for Pavillon Rouge and the prices for this vintage are hovering in the $80 range.

This particular vintage was especially well-received with the winemaker, Paul Pontallie, calling it his "best ever." It even received a 93 from Robert Parker

The wine is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, so it is less complex than most Bordeauxs but that does not detract from its flavor. It is a rich wine with a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberries and leather. It sat very long on the palate and was tannic, with a hint of vanilla.

It definately needs to be decanted and you will be richly rewarded for doing so the aromas seemed to fill the room as the I let it sit. If I had one complaint, it might have needed another year of aging.


Price: $80

Grade: 95