I'd like to introduce you to Stephane Derenoncourt a Bordeaux "rebel" and creator of right bank garage wines (much like one of my favorite left bank wine makers).

What are the results of Derenoncourt's style? Check it out for yourself.

Why the interest in Derenoncourt? He is the winemaker at a new winery in Middleburg. One that has set out to make wines similar to those in Bordeaux.

We visited the Boxwood Tasting Room on Saturday, and it is impressive. The centerpiece of the Tasting Room is an Italian-imported tasting station that features a variety of left bank and right bank Bordeauxs as well as Boxwood's Topiary. Being able to sample their Topiary against a sampling of other Bordeaux wines really helped put it into perspective.

How does it stack up? Well, it is a medium-bodied Bordeaux that is a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. It has a deep color with hints of cherry and a subtle tobacco aroma. Considering that it is a 2005 it has soft tannins and a smooth finish. The Merlot does a nice job of offsetting the pepperiness of the Cabernet Franc, but making Cabernet Franc the primary grape gives it a unique taste and a strong flavor.

The tasting room is a very pleasant experience, and a great opportunity to sample a wide variety of Bordeaux wines in one place.

Wine: 2000 Clos Margalaine Bordeaux



Review: When I first glanced at it this bottle looked strikingly familiar. A little research into the wine showed that it is the 2nd growth of the Marojallia estate. A Marojallia for less than 1/2 price? I had to try it.

The wine is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, which is not a true Bordeaux blend and the lack of complexity hurts it. It has a very pleasing aroma, with the scent of cherries and cranberry. The taste was slightly tannic, but it smoothed out over the evening, making it an enjoyable, though not spectacular wine.

Price: $35

Grade: 85