Chateau Blaignan 2018

Bordeaux Red Blends from Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Purchase Price: $60 (Restaurant)

Wilfred Wong 91, James Suckling 90, Wine Enthusiast 90, ElsBob 91.

ABV 14%

Aromas of black fruits and spice, medium to full-bodied, dry with silky tannins. We enjoyed this wine with medium rare, peppered beef filets with a side of grilled thick-cut vegetables: delicious.

An excellent fine wine at a little more than half the retail price (~$23) for a comparable vintage and rated wine.

Trivia: Château Blaignan is the one of the oldest winemaking estate in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. Documents dating back to the 15th century reveal that vineyards were planted in the Blaignan hamlet nearly 600 years ago.

Trivia II: During the 15th century, the Bordeaux region was a significant battleground during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. The English kings, including Edward III, and Henry V, led several military campaigns in the region. The war culminated in the Siege of Bordeaux in 1453, which marked the end of English rule, by Henry VI, in the region and the conclusion of the Hundred Years’ War.

Chateau Dalem 2020

Bordeaux Red Blends from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France.

90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Purchase Price: $22.97

Ratings: James Suckling 94, Robert Parker 93, Vinous 93, Decanter 92, Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Spectator 91, ElsBob 90.

ABV: 14.5%

A deep ruby to black in color, aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberries, dry, medium-to-full-bodied, with a medium finish.

Pairs well with fish, poultry, and vegetables.

An excellent wine at a slightly elevated price.