I've been so looking forward to 2014, and so grabbed this early bird recently. Given, this is just one data point, but this matches descriptions of the vintage perfectly (look at BBR's vintage summary for example): attractive, forward, exuberant fruit, but under that, rather classical in structure, and most of all, completely unique in personality. Maybe I got lucky, but the quality and drinkability this $10 infant offered were impressive. Can't wait to try some of the mid-tier stuff.
Chateau Genins, Bordeaux 2014
Excellent nose: deep, rich, aromatic, and somewhat heady, with loads of ripe, attractive black raspberry, black currant, plum, cedar, tobacco, orange rind, a whiff of chocolate, and stoney earth, all overplayed by smoke/fire embers. Identical notes on the palate, though not quite as expressive. Full bodied, with ripe, juicy, fleshy fruit supported by generous, focused acid, keeping it very fresh, and with substantial spicy but elegant tannins; very nice, succulent texture, with great presence and a good finish. This is a uniquely satisfying style of claret, modern in its fruit but very classical in its structure. Blend unknown, but screams Merlot. Amongst the very best Bordeaux values I’ve ever had for under $15, the quality is good and this really delivers. Drink now or in the next 3 years. [9/4/16]
And from the same day, a 2009 St. Emilion satellite. Based on recent experience, the lesser 2009 seem to be firing on all cylinders now.
Chateau Vieux Brancard, “Bel Air,” Lussac-St. Emilion 2009
Aromatic, dark, earth/mineral laden nose. On the nose and palate, a personality of rich, ripe, dense blackberry, cassis, and red currant, with a touch of floral tones, a hint of orange rind, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, with lots of earthy mineral, and peppery, succulent tannin. Very full bodied, with all of the ripe, dense, opulent fruit supported by good acidity and big tannins. All the minerality gives this a wonderful texture; and there’s a lovely sweetness to the fruit. Power and elegance - very 2009. Good quality and incredible value for $15. In a great place now, but will hold another 3 - 5 years. 3 Stars [9/4/16]
And while I'm at it, here's a delightful rose that I'm sipping on this evening.
Domaine de Vieux Chene, Cuvee de Capucines, Cotes-du-Rhone 2013
Rose, 100% Grenache. Excellent nose, aromatic and deep (almost heady), with sweet fruit. On the nose and palate, lots of sweet strawberry, with notes of black raspberry, hints of currant, orange rind, impressions of olives, garrigue, and cocoa power, and earthy stone. Impressive body for a rose, and very nice texture. Almost like drinking a lighter bodied red Cotes-du-Rhone. Very nice! Drink now. 2.5 Stars [9/9/16]