Sexy G

Gago 2003 Bodegas Telmo Rodriguez
Toro, Spain
100% Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro)
The wine is fermented in stainless steel, aged in tank, and bottled early to preserve its freshness.
Quite deep purple colour; rich, full, enticing nose of black fruits and some smoke; front flavour of soft chewy tannins backed up with soft supple fruit. I am thinking 'port' as I drink...and check the back of the bottle. 15%!!...no wonder it is so sexy...but 1% less would have gotten it 1 point more.
Size is not everything!
Points 17

Luncheon Bordeaux Passé

Twenty years ago..the Bordeaux wines of Bourg and Fronsac offered an alternative to the 'Big Boys'. They were getting their act together..and offered excellent 'luncheon style' wines.
How things have changed.
Chateau La Tuilière is in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg..almost across the way from Chateau Margaux.. 40 year-old vines..new oak barrels..things have certainly changed.The wine spends 18 months in oak barrels.
The mix is:
60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
& 5% Cabernet Franc
Château La Tuilière Les Armoiries 2003
Côtes de Bourg
Deep colour; aromas of cedar, tobacco, blackberries;full thick blackberry/cassis mouthful, perfect balance...maybe a touch heavy (13.5% alcohol)..chewy tannins.but nicely integrated..can be drunk now..but will improve over the next 5-8 years.
Points 17
A good wine..but I couldn't help thinking....the wine world is 'shrinking'..as styles seem to get closer...this could have been a new world wine if I had tasted blind. Is that what the French want..is that what they HAVE to produce.? I quite liked my 'luncheon' wines of old...